Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Goa: Mohammed Dawood had a night to remember on Sunday as his decisive spot kick helped Iraq claim a first ever AFC U-16 Championship before the striker picked up the tournament's Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards after a 4-3 penalty shootout victory followed a 0-0 draw with Islamic Republic of Iran in the final.
Dawood twice came close in the first half at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium before striking the crossbar from 20 yards on 60 minutes, although the forward was unable to add to his tournament-leading six goals.
But the frontman was not to be denied and with the shootout tied at three goals apiece, Dawood showed composure under pressure to fire home the winner.
“I want to congratulate the whole Iraqi team for this success,” said Dawood. “Our coach has done very well to solve many problems in this tournament.
“I was very calm when walking up to take the penalty and I wanted to score it for our coach. I feel great to have won both these individual awards and I hope they can help me improve my ability as a player.”
After failing to find the back of the net in Iraq’s opening two group encounters, Dawood grabbed his first goal of the campaign in the 1-1 draw with Oman as Qahtan Chitheer's side progressed to the knockout phase as Group C runners-up.
But it was in the quarter-finals where the striker really sprung to life, netting both goals in a 2-0 victory over Uzbekistan that saw the Iraqis seal their qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017.
Dawood continued his form in front of goal into the semi-finals as his hat-trick, including two late penalties, was crucial in the 4-2 win over Japan that booked Iraq’s place in the final.
“He’s a very good player and studies the opponents very well,” added coach Chitheer. “He is very talented and can play on the left and right side.
“The coaching team all work hard together to try and help him improve as a player and improve his performances on the pitch.”
In a clean sweep on Sunday night, the West Asians also won the Fair Play award after picking up just five bookings in six games on route to claiming their first continental title at U-16 level.
Photo: AFC