Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Hosts Qatar defeated Iraq 3-2 on penalties to progress as winners from Group C of the AFC U-19 Championship 2018 Qualifiers on Wednesday.
Regulation time had ended 1-1 in a thrilling match at Grand Hamad Stadium, a result that should also see Iraq qualifying as one of the five best second-placed teams for the tournament to be held in Indonesia next October.
Iraq were the better side in terms of ball possession in the first half, with Qatar depending mainly on counter-attacks.
Iraq tested the hosts' goal with some powerful long range efforts, with Ahmed Farhan rattling the bar with a stunning volley from 25 yards out while Hyder Hussein tested goalkeeper Shehab Mamdouh with another effort from distance.
But it was Qatar who took the lead, in first half added-on time, like they did in the first match against Lebanon.
Mohammad Waad’s free-kick from the right hit the wall but Rasheed caught the Iraqi defence napping and squared the ball to Abdulla Nasser who slotted it home from close range.
Iraq equalised in the 62nd minute from a penalty after Qatari goalkeeper Mamdouh fouled Mohammed Dawood inside the box.
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