AFC U-22 Championship. Uzbekistan lost to Iraq

Marwan Al Ajeeli scored his third goal in two games as Iraq qualified for the quarter-finals of the AFC U-22 Championship after edging out Uzbekistan 2-1 in Group D at Seeb Sports Complex on Tuesday.

And despite Jamshid Iskanderov reducing the deficit for fellow opening day winners Uzbekistan just after the hour mark, 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup semi-finalists Iraq held on to maintain their 100% record to advance to the last eight with a game to spare.

Things almost got worse for Uzbekistan two minutes later as Tursunbaev had to be alert to race off his line to block at the feet of Kalaf, who had ghosted into space on the right edge of the Uzbekistan penalty area and was seemingly on course to double Iraq’s lead.

Needing an early goal to turn the tide, half-time substitute Dilshod Juraev sent a rising strike just over the crossbar nine minutes into second period for Uzbekistan before Iraq goalkeeper Jalal Hassan made a regulation save from Diyorjon Turapov soon after in his first meaningful action of the contest.

Hassan, though, was beaten four minutes after the hour mark as Iskanderov stabbed home from close to the penalty spot after pouncing on a loose ball inside the Uzbekistan penalty area.

“It was a very painful loss for us, but I also feel that we were unlucky as Iraq’s goals came from our mistakes,” said Uzbekistan coach Maksudov, who must now quickly re-group the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup quarter-finalists for Thursday’s meeting with Saudi Arabia.

“We had very little time for preparation so the players are not physically ready, so as we must play three games in six days, we must save the physical condition of the players. But all the players played well and I am happy.

“I saw Iraq’s last game before we played them and they are a very strong team. They played in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Turkey and they are a very strong team.”