Maryam Irandoost’s side defied history and its world ranking of 72 to secure its place for India 2022 in dramatic fashion, ending a heartbroken Jordan outfit’s bid for a third successive appearance at the Finals.
The result, a milestone for Iranian women’s football, also keeps them alive in the race for a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Both teams had defeated Bangladesh 5-0 in Group G and were fully aware that the draw on the day would send them to the penalty spot, the-afc.com reported.
Still level at the final whistle, it was the penalty shootout’s turn to do what three matches over six days could not, and determine a winner, and it was the Iranians who prospered from 12 yards.
Team Melli Baanovaan showed nerves of steel from the spot, with captain Behnaz Taherkhani scoring the first kick, before Melika Motevalli, Zahra Ghanbari and Sana Sadeghi made it a perfect four from four, with two failed attempts from Jordan sealing its fate.
The victorious Iranian side will now be among the 12 teams in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 official draw, with matches against the continent’s best players and teams to follow at January’s Finals.