AFC U-16 Championship: Iraq 1-1 Malaysia

Iraq dominated the first half at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and took a deserved lead three minutes from half-time through Mohammed Ridha, before Muntadher Mohammed missed from the spot on 57 minutes.

Malaysia had struggled to create chances in the second period but Haiqal’s blistering strike with five minutes remaining made Iraq pay for their missed opportunities as the Southeast Asians gave themselves a fighting chance of reaching the last eight.

Iraq had the better of the opening exchanges and came close on 12 minutes when Mohammed was afforded acres of space in the centre of the Malaysia half, shifted the ball onto his left foot and fired narrowly wide from fully 35 yards.

The West Asians threatened the Malaysia goal once more on 26 minutes as Mohammed Dawood got on the end of Ridha’s lob over the top, but the forward was off target with his first-time attempt from inside the penalty area.

Muhammad Nizarruddin’s shot from distance just before the half hour was then parried out by Iraq goalkeeper Ali Ibadi to Alif Safwan, who manoeuvred his way into a shooting position only to direct his tame effort straight at the custodian.

But Iraq assumed control again soon after as Dawood headed Mohammed’s pinpoint cross from the left just inches wide, before Ridha did open the scoring three minutes before the interval.