News ID: 453

Date: 31 July 2025 - 13:24

Jafari: President’s Call in Jordan Lifted My Mental Pressure

Head coach Marzieh Jafari and Vice President Farideh Shojaei held a strategic meeting with President Taj to review the qualifying campaign and discuss enhanced support for the women’s national team

The session took place on Tuesday, 7 Mordad, at the federation’s Tehran headquarters. In attendance were Mehdi Taj, Farideh Shojaei, Marzieh Jafari and Farzin Dabiri. The gathering focused on the team’s preparation, performance in Jordan, and plans leading up to the final tournament.

Jafari opened with a detailed report on the Asian Cup qualifiers in Amman. She stressed the tight schedule—four decisive matches under difficult circumstances—and praised the players’ relentless effort that ultimately secured qualification. Reflecting on the unexpected 3–1 loss to Lebanon, she attributed the setback to emotional play and missed scoring opportunities, noting that seven to eight clear chances went begging. She also condemned the Lebanese side’s disrespect during the pre-kickoff handshake but affirmed her insistence that the team remain focused on the game rather than external distractions.

Turning to the pivotal encounter with Jordan, Jafari revealed that a mid-tournament phone call from President Taj had eased her own anxiety. “His words—that winning was wonderful but that I’d given my all even if we hadn’t prevailed—removed the mental weight on me,” she said. She used that same motivational energy to rally her players, screening Khodadad Azizi’s legendary goal to Australia at the 1998 World Cup and urging them to “bring that kind of joy to all of Iran.” Negin Zandi’s decisive strike against Jordan, she added, mirrored Azizi’s iconic finish.

Farideh Shojaei then highlighted the federation’s renewed commitment to women’s football. Four national squads—senior football, U-20 football, U-17 football and U-17 futsal—now train regularly at the National Football Center with equal access to the gym, medical facilities and accommodations once reserved for men’s teams. “This unprecedented level of professional support empowers our girls and paves the way for future success,” she remarked.

In closing, Mehdi Taj praised the collective resolve of the players and coaching staff. “Qualifying under such challenging conditions is a testament to your skill, dedication and unity,” he said. He reaffirmed the federation’s full backing as the women’s team prepares for a tough group draw at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.