Baghdad – IA
The Iraqi youth team defeated the UAE Olympic team on penalties (4-3), after the end of regular time in a 1-1 draw.
The match took place at Prince Abdullah bin Jalawi City Stadium in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, this evening, to determine the positions from fifth to eighth, in the West Asian Federation U-23 Championship.
The UAE national team scored the first goal in the 33rd minute, despite Iraq’s advantage, through Mohammed Al Mansouri, who was alone and shot a ball that bounced off the Iraqi goalkeeper’s body and headed it into the net.
The Iraqi team put pressure in the second half, and tied in the 53rd minute, with a header by Ali Sadiq.
The UAE national team abandoned its defensive caution and began exchanging attacks with its opponent.
The UAE team missed two penalty kicks, while the Iraqi goalkeeper excelled, sealing the victory for our youth team.
The Iraqi youth team will meet the Jordanian team next Wednesday, in the match to determine fifth and sixth places.
The UAE national team will play against Thailand next Tuesday evening, in the match to determine seventh and eighth places, after Jordan managed to defeat Thailand (3-1) in the matches to determine the final places of the tournament.