Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Kuwait City: AFC Asian Cup Group C contenders Iraq scored two first half goals to book a place into the final of the WAFF Championship 2012 after beating Oman 2-0 in the semi-final played on Tuesday at the Al Naser Stadium.
Goals from Amjed Al Janabi and Ahmed Gheni helped 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions to set title dates against Syria, who edged Bahrain 3-2 in the penalty shootout in another semi-final played on Tuesday.
Al Janabi opened the scoring in the 6th minute and Gheni doubled the Iraqis lead with six minutes remaining in the first half.
Iraq, who are still chasing an automatic qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2014 after remaining equal on points with Australia and Oman behind Japan in Group B, will open their AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifier campaign against Indonesia at home on February.
Oman, who managed 1-1 draw against Iraq back in June in the FIFA World Cup 2014 Asian Qualifiers at Doha, will host Iraq in June next year. They are in Group A of the AFC Asian Cup 2015 qualifiers alongside with fellow West Asians Syria, Jordan and Singapore.