AFC U-16 Championship 2018 Qualifiers Group D: Iraq secure place in Finals
KATHMANDU: Iraq qualified for the AFC U-16 Championship 2018 after a goalless draw against India in the final Group D qualifying match at the Halchowk grounds in Kathmandu on Sunday.
The result meant Iraq top the Group with seven points and earned a ticket to the Finals slated next year in Malaysia. India, with five points, have assured themselves as the runners-up place irrespective of the late kick off between the home team Nepal and Palestine.
If Palestine beat Nepal, it will increase India’s chances of claiming one of the five runners-up spots. Along with 10 group winners, five runners-up and hosts Malaysia also qualify for the Finals.
Bekey Oram squandered a golden chance for India early in the sixth minute.
Ricky John Shabong delivered a defense-splitting pass into the area but with just Iraqi goalkeeper to beat, the forward shot straight into the grateful hands of Mohammed Hasan Al-Hamadani.
Ahmed Abdullah Dari Gul scored in the 23rd minute but his effort was ruled as offside.
India goalkeeper Lalbiakhula Jongte blocked a left-footed drive from Hasan Salman Shanan.
A constant Iraqi pressure nearly resulted into the defending champions taking the 28th minute lead as Murtafa Irmayyidh Muhi’s shot from tight angle was blocked by Indian custodian Jongte for a corner.
Nine minutes after resumption, India goalkeeper Jongte was called into action again punching out a right wing strike from Murtadha Ahmed Al-Furaiji.
India got another reprieve in the 72nd minute as unmarked Sajid Abbas Al-Lami fired wide a rebound that came off defender from the initial Shanan strike.
In rare India move inside the Iraqi goalmouth, substitute Harpreet, who also came off the bench against Nepal and struck twice in their 2-2 stalemate on Friday, cut through three defenders but fired at the near post for Iraqi custodian to make an easy save.
Ali Hadi Mohsin (Iraq coach)
As expected India turned out to be the tough team. They have very strong and good players but what’s important is that we achieved our goal - to make it to the final round. We played really well throughout (the qualifying campaign) and I am pleased with the way my boys performed. We still have a year before the Finals, so we have the luxury to strengthen our squad.
Bibiano Fernandes (India coach)
It was a good game and I have no complaints whatsoever with the performance of my boys. They were exceptionalal throughout the Qualifiers. We need a victory and we tried our best to secure three points but as the defending champions of the tournament, Iraq played to their billing. I believe losing points against the hosts in a draw was crucial but we still have a chance to qualify as one of the five best runners-up. And if Palestine beat Nepal, It would definitely help our cause.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com
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