AFC
Iraq revived their AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024™ knockout stage hopes with a 4-2 win over Tajikistan at the Al Janoub Stadium on Friday.
The 2013 champions dominated from the start and now need a win over Group C leaders Saudi Arabia on Monday to stand a chance of advancing into the quarter-finals, having lost their opening match to Thailand.
Iraq were quick to take control with Ali Al Mosawe’s fourth minute effort narrowly missing the target.
The exciting Ali Jasim then had an attempt in the 11th minute before turning provider three minutes later, weaving through the defence to set up Muntadher Mohammed for a precise finish.
Things turned from bad to worse for Tajikistan in the 21st minute when captain Manuchehr Safarov brought down Amin Al Hamawi in the box prompting referee Shaun Evans to immediately award a penalty, with Jasim burying the ball into the bottom right corner.
Tajikistan, who had impressed despite losing 4-2 to Saudi Arabia in their opening match, tried to force their way back but both Shahrom Samiev and Rustam Soirov couldn’t get their headers on target.
The Central Asian side, however, kept pushing and were rewarded in added time when a VAR review confirmed that Iraq goalkeeper Hussein Hasan had fouled Samiev with Soirov confidently converting the penalty to give Tajikistan a lifeline going into the break.
Iraq head coach Radhi Shenaishil introduced Hassan Khaled Hameed at the start of the second half with the defender making a sensational impact, striking home from over 20 yards out in the 56th minute to restore Iraq’s two-goal lead.
With Tajikistan leaving holes at the back in their desperation to salvage the match, substitute Karrar Saad scored Iraq's fourth when he slotted home from close range in the 87th minute. Tajikistan, however, got a deserved consolation in added time through Mehrom Madaminov