Morale boosting win for Iraq
24th December 2018
Doha: A 69th minute goal from Muhannad Ali helped Iraq secure a 2-1 win against China PR in an international friendly match ahead of both their AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 campaigns.
Ahmad Ibrahim (pictured above) opened the scoring in the 22nd minute for the West Asians, but China made sure they went into the break level as star striker Wu Lei equalised two minutes before the half-time whistle.
However, it was 2007 AFC Asian Cup winners Iraq who prevailed, courtesy of Ali’s goal in the 69th minute.
Iraq play another friendly against Palestine on Friday.
The Lions of Mesopotamia will open their UAE 2019 Group D campaign against Vietnam at the Zayed Sports City Stadium on January 8.
Marcello Lippi’s China PR, who are in Group C with Korea Republic, Kyrgyz Republic and the Philippines, will also have another tune-up match on Friday against Jordan.
Photo: AFP
Source: the-afc.com