The Japan U-21 team drew 3-3 with Iran in their opening group match at the AFC U-22 Championship on Sunday in Muscat, Oman.
　Japan let the Iranians go ahead in the seventh minute through Behnam Barzay but replied two minutes later through Harakawa Riki. Asano Takuma of Sanfrecce Hiroshima then scored in the 30th minute to help Teguramori Makoto’s side lead 2-1 at halftime.
　Four minutes after the break, the Iranians leveled the scores through Kaveh Razaei and took the upper hand in the 55th minute with Kezaei’s second goal.
　But Nakajima Shoya of Tokyo Verdy equalized in the 66th minute, helping his side collect one point in their first game.
　“It was good for us to start the tournament without losing,” said Teguramori, formerly of Vegalta Sendai. “We only had six days to prepare but were able to prove that we can fight hard and score goals.”
　In the other Group C game, Australia beat Kuwait 1-0 to take the lead in the group.
　Japan will next play Kuwait on Tuesday night before meeting Australia on Thursday.
　The quarterfinals will be on January 20, with the semifinals slated for January 23. The third-place playoff will be held on January 25 and the final will take place on January 26.