Iraq top the Group
Iraq enjoyed a comprehensive 2 – 0 victory over Singapore in the men’s football tournament at the Al Alhi Sports Club on today, Tuesday 21 November. The victory takes them to top place in Group B with a maximum six points.
Syria sit in second place with four points following their 4 – 1 win over Indonesia earlier in the day. Singapore has one point following their draw with Syria in the Group’s second game, while Indonesia is rooted to the foot of the table with no points.
The Group leaders will meet on Friday, with Iraq needing only a draw to progress to the next round.
Iraq were quick out of the blocks against Singapore, scoring both their goals within the first six minutes.
Mostafa Abd Alla, who scored twice in their opening group game against Indonesia on Saturday which they won 6 – 0, opened the scoring in the 4th minute. He beat keeper Lionel Lewis with a sublime lob which Singapore defender Hasiz Osman could not quite prevent from bouncing over the goal line.
Just two minutes later, Abd Alla’s strike partner, skipper Younes Kahlef, doubled the advantage when he lifted a shot over the advancing keeper after being played in.
Singapore came more into the contest as the half wore on. Their midfield enjoyed some nice exchanges, but there was little penetration. Their best moment came when Jia Yi Shi smashed a decent effort wide in the 41st minute from 30 yards.
Iraq should have extended their advantage in the second period, when referee Abdullah Balideh from Qatar awarded a penalty after Singaporean keeper Lionel Lewis clattered Mostafa Abd Alla in the box. However, Lewis guessed right and saved Abd Alla’s effort towards his left.
Singapore was no push-over though, and stuck to their task doggedly. They introduced teenage sensation Hariss Harun in the 62nd minute and the youngster, who turned 16 on Sunday, showed some nice touches. But much like the rest of the Singapore midfield there was often very little result from the fancy footwork. Indeed, they didn’t manage to carve out a single clear-cut chance. Long distance shots from Fazul Nawaz Shahul Hameed, Jia Yi Shi and Mohammed Shahril Ishak were the best they could muster.
Iraq will move into the final group game with Syria with confidence, but for Singapore their final fixture against Indonesia could be for mere consolation.
At the end of the game, Iraq’s coach, Yahya Manhel was a happy man. ”Today was good. We scored two goals and could have scored more. We have more than one player who can score goals.
“Everyone in our team finished the game fit and this is good for us.
“We have a good chance. This result gives the coach confidence.”