Iraq advance to AFC U-20 Futsal Championship final

Uzbekistan began with a more offensive approach, and Ilhomjon Hamroev’s shot on target came closest to giving them the advantage 10 minutes into the game, but Zaher Mahdi was on point to deflect.

Ali Hussein then gave the Iraqis the lead in the 15th minute, after dribbling past the Uzbek defence and finding the back of the net.

The Iraqis played more reactionary with a goal advantage, urging the Uzbeks to break ranks in the hope that Fahad Methaq in the backline might create chances, but Jose Maria Pazos Mendez’s side proved to be disciplined and went into the break with just the one-goal deficit at Bangkok Arena.

Abbas Ali increased the West Asians’ lead after the restart courtesy of Fahad Methaq’s cross into the penalty area, before Hussein scored his second a minute later.

Mendez’s side opted for their power play tactics in the 27th minute and it paid off on the half hour mark with Asli Mukhammadiev’s short range strike, but backfired when Fahad Methaq’s attempt from the halfway line bounced into an unguarded goal. Mukhammadiev’s own goal two minutes from time secured Ali Talib’s side a date with Islamic Republic of Iran in the final.

Iraq advance to final to meet Islamic Republic of Iran on Friday, May 26

Uzbekistan to face Thailand in the third place and fourth place match tomorrow, May 25

Iraq: HUSSEIN 15’, ALI 23’, HUSSEIN 24’, METHAQ 32’, MUKHAMMADIEV 38’ (OG)
Uzbekistan: MUKHAMMADIEV 31’

Photo: AFC