AFC Futsal Asian Cup - Qualifiers - Group D: Iraq 8-1 Pakistan

Anak: Iraq opened their bid to reach the AFC Futsal Asian Cup™ Indonesia 2026 with an 8-1 win over Pakistan in Group D of the Qualifiers on Saturday.

Iraq will next face Chinese Taipei on Monday while Pakistan will aim to bounce back against Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan started brightly with a chance in the opening minute but Yousaf Ahmad’s effort went wide of the right post while at the other end, Tareq Zeyad Sulaiman forced a save from Pakistan keeper Muhammad Tahir in the third minute.

Iraq took the lead moments later after Haedr Al Ogaili cut the ball back to Ghaith Arab who stretched to turn it past Tahir.

Iraq maintained their high-tempo approach and were rewarded with their second in the eighth minute after Zeyad Sulaiman gained possession and found Al Ogaili, who set up Salim Al Husaynat for an easy finish.

Pakistan almost reduced the deficit moments later from a counter-attacking move, only to be denied by Iraq goalkeeper Hussein Ahmed Naser’s quick reflexes.

Iraq had the final say of the half, Salim Al Darraji capitalising on an errant pass and finishing his surging run with a thumping finish.

The South Asian side, seeking to reach the Finals for the first time, fell further behind in the 28th minute after Al Darraji outpaced his marker on the left before finding the top right corner with a stinging shot from distance.

Al Husaynat then doubled his tally two minutes later to make it 5-0 for Iraq after volleying home off a corner with Mustafa Ihsan Al Bayati getting his name on the scoresheet seconds later.

Pakistan reduced the deficit in the 34th minute through Muhammad Ali Khan but Iraq netted again through Al Darraji and Harith Saad Al Obaidi to kick off their campaign in style.

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