Al Rayyan: Iraq secured a crucial 2-1 victory over four-time champions Japan in the second round of Group D matches at the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™, held at Education City Stadium on Friday. Ayman Hussein was the star for Iraq, netting two goals with headers in the first half, propelling his team to a memorable win.
Hussein’s brace was the highlight of the match, with both goals showcasing Iraq’s vibrant play and effective strategy. The victory was reminiscent of Iraq’s historic 2007 AFC Asian Cup-winning team and was celebrated by the passionate Iraqi supporters in the stadium.
With this win, Iraq, who started their campaign with a 3-1 win over Indonesia, now has six points and is guaranteed a spot in the last 16, regardless of the outcome of their final Group D game against Vietnam.
The win over Japan is a significant achievement for Iraq, demonstrating their ability to compete with top teams in the tournament. The team’s performance in the group stage positions them as a strong contender as they advance to the knockout stages of the AFC Asian Cup.
