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CAFA U20 CHAMPIONSHIP
IR Iran emerge champions
Jalal-Abad: Reza Ghandipour scored a hat-trick as Islamic Republic of Iran defeated Kyrgyz Republic 3-0 in the final of the 2024 CAFA U20 Championship on Friday.
Uzbekistan finished third after beating Tajikistan 3-0 in their playoff while Afghanistan took fifth place following a 8-7 penalty shootout win over Turkmenistan.
Ghandipour, who had an earlier effort ruled out for offside, opened the scoring for Iran from the penalty spot in first half stoppage time.
His second came three minutes into the second, with Ghandipour taking advantage of hesitancy by the Kyrgyz Republic defence to double Iran's lead.
Ghandipour completed his hat-trick in the 58th minute, rising high to nod home a cross.
