AFC U23 Asian Cup
Maldives defended valiantly but had to concede to Iraq’s superiority with Miroslav Soukup’s side scoring twice in each half for the points.
Maldives must win against Bahrain on Thursday to stay in contention while Iraq will seal top spot by defeating their West Asian counterparts on Sunday.
Maldives must win against Bahrain on Thursday to stay in contention while Iraq will seal top spot by defeating their West Asian counterparts on Sunday.
Iraq, champions in 2013, came into the tie as the favourites but it was Maldives who impressed with their solid defending.
However, Maldives’ defensive cracks began to show under pressure and Iraq took the lead through Moamel Abdulridha’s strike in the 10th minute.
However, Maldives’ defensive cracks began to show under pressure and Iraq took the lead through Moamel Abdulridha’s strike in the 10th minute.
Boosted by the goal, Iraq pressed harder and doubled their advantage 10 minutes before the half-time break through Ahmed Sartip’s penalty.
Any hopes of a Maldives resurgence were extinguished in the second half with Wakaa Ramadhan netting Iraq’s third goal in the 57th minute before doubling his tally four minutes from the end.
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