AFC U20 Asian Cup
Thailand were equally impressive, edging the United Arab Emirates 1-0.
Iraq 1-2 Turkmenistan
Iraq fell behind in the 15th minute following Karrar Al Saeedi’s handball inside the box, with Yakupmuhammet Govshudov sending goalkeeper Ammar Al Hlaichi the wrong way from the ensuing penalty.
The West Asian side continued to toil, with Zainulabdeen Al Rubaye firing just over the bar in the 24th minute before Yasir Wisam Abboodi sent his glancing header wide from Al Saeedi’s cross five minutes later.
Yousif Jasim Jaber wasted another opportunity in the 38th minute, missing the target from close range as Turkmenistan took a slim advantage heading into the break.
Iraq finally drew level in the 59th minute when Sajjad Hussein Jasim Al Saeed sent a long throw into the box, with Moamel Malik Sabah Alshawi powering home at the near post.
Turkmenistan, however, restored their lead in the 77th minute when Iraq goalkeeper Ammar Al Hlaichi could only parry Yakupmuhammet Govshudov’s effort, with the rebound falling kindly for Veysgeldi Orazdurdyyev to steer home the winner.
Qualifiers - Group F: Iraq v Turkmenistan; Thailand v UAE
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Thailand 1-0 UAE
Thailand threatened in the fourth minute when Phongpech Aiemsaard’s effort was deflected towards the goalmouth, forcing goalkeeper Josh Bentley into an early save.
UAE came alive after the half-hour mark with Yannick Muller testing Thailand goalkeeper Poomraphee Siribunyakul with a headed attempt in the 36th minute, before coming close again moments later, with his powerful drive parried away before hitting his own rebounded effort over the bar.
Thailand finally broke the deadlock in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time through Siwakorn Ponsan, who surged into the box following a well-worked build-up before calmly slotting past Bentley.
Poomraphee was called into action in the closing stages of the half, producing a fine save to deny Mohamed Al Ali’s glancing header.
Thailand maintained their aggressive approach after the restart while keeping UAE at bay to secure the three points.
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