TEHRANTIMES - The Iran U-19 football team will leave Tehran on Thursday for the United Arab Emirates, looking to end a 36-year title drought at the Asian Championship.

The 37th edition of the AFC U-19 Championship organized by the Asian Football Confederation will be held from November 1 to 17 in UAE.

The competition will bring 16 teams together, divided into four groups of four teams each.

Iran has been pooled with the UAE, Japan and Kuwait in Group A. The Persians will face Japan in their opening match on November 3 at the Emirates Club Stadium located in Ras al-Khaimah.

The four-time champion has yet to win the title in 36 years.

“First, we are going to qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey. Then, we will do our best to win the championship,” Iran coach Akbar Mohammadi said.

“I have no knowledge of Japan and it will be a difficult match. However, we take advantage of experienced players in our team and hopefully will advance to the next round,” he added.

The competition’s top four teams will qualify for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.