Doha, December 03 (QNA) - Iraq's U-23 national football team secured a 2-1 victory over Bahrain in their opening Group D match of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, held today at Stadium 974.
Iraq's goals came via an own goal by Bahraini goalkeeper Ibrahim Lutfallah in the 10th minute and a powerful strike by striker Mohanad Ali in the 25th minute. Bahrain's lone goal was scored by Hisham Al Sayyed in the 79th minute.
With this win, Iraq tops Group D with three points, while Bahrain remains at the bottom with no points, behind Algeria and Sudan, who each have one point.
The match began with strong momentum from Iraq, who capitalized early when Ayman Hussein's header forced a save from Lutfallah, only for the ball to deflect off the keeper's leg and into the net. Lutfallah was injured in the process and was replaced by backup goalkeeper Omar Salem.
Bahrain responded with a well-organized attack in the 14th minute, but Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil made a crucial save to maintain the lead.
Iraq doubled its advantage in the 25th minute when Mohanad Ali found space in the box and fired a precise shot into the net.
In the second half, Bahrain increased its pressure and nearly scored through Mahdi Humaidan in the 47th minute, but his shot went wide. Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Hisham Al Sayyed converted a low cross into a goal, reigniting hopes of a comeback. (QNA)