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AFC Asian Qualifiers
A late Mohanad Ali strike meant Iraq opened a five-point lead over Indonesia, who defeated Vietnam 1-0 in the group’s other tie.
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Iraq dominated the early proceedings and came close to scoring the opening goal when Ibrahim Bayesh crossed in for Mohanad Ali, whose volley was saved by Philippines keeper Neil Etheridge.
The West Asian side continued to enjoy the lion's share of possession but were denied by Etheridge’s brilliance when he thwarted Mohanad Ali’s attempt in the 11th minute before Ali Jasim angled his headed attempt straight at the Azkals’ custodian seven minutes later.
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The Philippines were comfortable soaking up the pressure with Ali missing out converting Dhurgham Ismael’s through ball across the goalmouth, while Amir Al Ammari brought out the best in Etheridge with a long range effort in the 31st minute.
Iraq were unlucky not to score in the closing stages of the half after Hussein Ali struck the post with his effort from outside the box.
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Iraq picked up from where they left off in the first half but Etheridge foiled Hussein Ali’s close range shot in the 49th minute before seeing off Mohanad Ali’s acrobatic effort in the 55th minute.
Iraq thought they had broken the deadlock in the 63rd minute when Al Ammari sent a through ball to Ismael, who burst into the box before cutting back for Mohanad Ali to strike home, only to be flagged offside.
Jesus Casas sent Zidane Iqbal, Ahmed Yasin and Montader Madjed into the mix in an attempt to give Iraq more attacking options and the goal finally came in the 83rd minute when Al Ammari sent a long pass to Mohanad Ali, who squeezed his effort past the onrushing Etheridge for the winner.
