Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Taipei: Iraq will make their first-ever appearance in the AFC Futsal Championship semi-finals after a 9-8 penalty shootout win over Lebanon following a 2-2 draw on Thursday at University of Taipei Gymnasium.
Goalkeeper Zaher Mahdi was Iraq’s hero saving the match-ending penalty with a smart dive to his right to deny Mustafa Rhyem.
Having appeared in 10 editions of the competition, the Iraqis finally broke new ground in reaching the final four, progressing from the quarter-final phase at their third attempt.
Although Lebanon controlled the tempo for the opening periods, it was Iraq who took the lead from a route one play.
Starting goalkeeper Yahya Abdulnoor’s long throw upfield caught Lebanon’s backline out as Salim Faisal lost his marker to volley past ‘keeper Hussein Hamadani.
The scores were drawn level midway through the half, though, as Lebanon captain Kasem Koussam polished off a quick-fire move involving Ahmad Kheir El Dine and Ali El Homsi with an assured finish.
Abdulnoor then had to stretch out a leg to turn Karim Abou Zeid’s low shot around the post as the Lebanese finished on top at the interval.
www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/lebanon_v_iraq_-_fc2018.html
