The match was the first of two meetings between the Thailand-bound sides, who will face off again on Wednesday.

Uzbekistan came into Sunday’s match looking to keep the momentum going after a win over a selection from Emirati club side Al Arabi four days prior, but they found themselves a goal down when Ridha opened the scoring after 15 minutes.

Abdixolikov equalised with the first of his goals in the 25th minute, and added a second seven minutes later, before Iraq levelled the scores again thanks to 2016 AFC U-16 Championship MVP Dawood, who successfully converted penalty kick in the 38th minute.

The goals continued to flow when Yakhshiboev put Uzbekistan back in front three minutes before half-time, and Abdixolikov completed the scoring when he notched his third in the 50th minute.

The reigning Asian champions at the U-23 level, Uzbekistan will meet Islamic Republic of Iran, China PR and Korea Republic in Group C of the Continental Finals in Thailand next month, while Iraq have been drawn alongside hosts Thailand, as well as Bahrain and Australia in Group A.

The AFC U23 Championship will kick-off on January 8, with the final to be held at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium on January 26.

Photo: Uzbekistan Football Association (UFA)