Doha, December 05 (QNA) - Sudan will take on Iraq on Saturday at Stadium 974 in the second round of Group D at the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, which runs in Doha until December 18 with the participation of 16 national teams.
Iraq currently tops the group with 3 points after a 2-1 win over Bahrain, while Sudan shares second place with Algeria following their goalless draw. Bahrain sits at the bottom with no points.
Sudan enters the match with confidence after a solid performance against Algeria, despite lacking a clinical edge and failing to capitalize on a first-half red card for Algeria's Adam Ounas. Led by stars Mohamed Abdelrahman, Ahmed Tabanja, Walieldin Khedr, and Yasser Jubak, Sudan eyes a crucial win that could see them top the group, should Algeria falter against Bahrain.
Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, who took charge in September 2023 and recently extended his contract through 2028, aims to guide Sudan deep into the tournament. The team qualified by defeating Lebanon 2-1 in the playoff.
Iraq, under Australian coach Graham Arnold since May, is riding high after their opening win and seeks another victory to secure a spot in the knockout stage. Key players include Ayman Hussein, Mohanad Ali, and Hassan Abdul Karim.
Iraq is the tournament's most decorated team with four titles (1964, 1966, 1985, 1988), while Sudan is making its fifth appearance, still in pursuit of a maiden title. (QNA)