Iraq have already achieved a best ever performance at the continental competition after seeing off Japan 4-2 in Thursday’s semi-final, but Chitheer believes the opportunity is there to go one better.

Standing in the West Asians’ way at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, though, is an on-form Iran team that ousted holders DPR Korea on penalties after the sides had played out a 1-1 draw inThursday’s other last-four clash.

“The match will be very difficult with both teams playing at a high level,” said Chitheer, who will go into the tie with a fully fit squad of players to choose from.

“We have had a special rehabilitation programme since the last game and now our players are ready to play strongly and with patience.

“It’s true it is our first time in the final, but we have many good players and we want to play at our best level and win the cup for the first time.”

Forward Mohammed Dawood has been in scintillating form, netting six times in the last three games including a hat-trick against Japan and both goals in the 2-0 quarter-final victory over Uzbekistan.

The defeat of the Central Asians ensured Iraq booked their place at the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, also in India, as one of the tournament’s four highest-placed teams.

“Dawood is a very good player but we have many other players that helped us reach this position,” added Chitheer. “He is only one of 11.

“The first target was to qualify for the World Cup and after that, it was to become champions of Asia. Now I believe we can play with no pressure in the final.”

Iraq showcased their early tournament credentials in their opening game of the competition after coming from behind to claim a 2-1 victory over 2014 runners-up Korea Republic.

Chitheer’s team then played out back-to-back draws with Malaysia and Oman to qualify for the knockout stage in second place in Group C.

The final marks the first time in a decade that Iraq and Iran have faced off at the AFC youth event after the sides played out a 0-0 stalemate in the group stage back in 2006.

“Iran always has a very good team at youth level,” noted the Iraqi coach. “In U-14, U-16 and U-19 they have many strengths and few weaknesses as they put a lot of focus on their youth development.”

(Picture & Report Courtesy: www.the-afc.com)