Bangkok: Iraq reached the AFC U-20 Futsal Championship quarter-finals on Friday as a 4-3 victory over Malaysia, coupled with Thailand's susequent defeat of Aghanistan, saw the West Asians progress.
The win marks Iraq’s fourth successive three-point haul and they will now face Thailand on Sunday with top place in the group up for grabs.
Iraq broke the deadlock at the Bangkok Arena thanks to an early goal bby Methaq Fahad, but failed to find a way past a resolute Malaysian side throughout the rest of a tight first half.
Ali Hussein’s own goal after the break briefly reignited Malaysia’s slim qualification hopes, but subsequent goals from Kadhim Hasan, Ali Saad and Fawzi Moamin put the Iraqis in control shortly after the half-hour mark.
Malaysian skipper Muhammad Aidil’s shot found the back of the net three minutes from time, however, it proved to be a mere consolation for the Southeast Asians who suffered their third defeat of the tournament.
Iraq’s next match: May 20, Thailand v Iraq
Malaysia’s next match: May 20, Malaysia v Brunei Darussalam
Iraq: FAHAD 5’, HASAN 25’, SAAD 26’, MOAMIN 31’
Malaysia: HATROOSH 22’ (OG), AIDIL 37’
Photo: AFC
Source: the-afc.com