Bhubaneswar: Host India and Myanmar got their Gold Cup campaigns off to winning starts at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.



India defeated Islamic Republic of Iran 1-0 while Myanmar beat Nepal 3-0.

Anju Tamang was India’s match-winner, scoring in the 48th minute as the South Asians made it five wins in a row having won their last four Friendlies against Hong Kong and Indonesia respectively.

India dominated the first half but spurned several chances while Iran had a good chance just before the half-time break but forward Sara Ghomimarzdashti was denied by Indian custodian Aditi Chauhan.

India started the second half brightly and three minutes in, Tamang scored what proved to be the winner.

Sanju was played in behind the defence by Ratanbala Devi and she squared the ball to Tamang, who slotted home.

Earlier, Khin Moe Wai scored a brace and Theingi Tun added the third as Myanmar defeated Nepal 3-0.

Up next for Myanmar are Iran on Monday while India will play Nepal.

The Gold Cup concludes on Friday with the top two teams squaring off after the round robin in the final.

Source: All India Football FederationSource: the-afc.com