Malaysia hold Iraq in AFC U-16

A late goal by Aliff helped Malaysia hold Iraq to a 1-1 draw in their Group C league match of the AFC U-16 Championship at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here today.
Iraq, who dominated throughout the match creating several chances, took the lead in the 43rd minute through Mohammed Ridha Jalil Mezher.
On the other hand, Malaysia, who were seen defending the citadel for most part of the game, found the equaliser through Aliff as late as in the 84th minute.
The draw takes Iraq tally to four points from two matches, while Malaysia opened their account with a point from two games.

Both the teams started on a cautious note, trying to gauge each other's strength.
Iraq slowly took controlled over the proceedings and were seen trying to invade into the rival goal more often. In the 6th minute, they had a chance but Mohammed Dawood saw his header going out off a cross from the left by Ammar Mohammed Dheyaa Al-Lami.

Malaysia goalkeeper Firdaus Imran Bin Fadhil did well to make couple of good saves after Iraq missed a few close chances.
After sustained pressure the Malaysian citadel fell two minutes before the break.
Muntadher Mohammed from the left send a high cross into the box for Ahmed Srtip Omar, who chested the ball down to unmark Mohammed Ridha Jalil Mezher, who in turn essayed a left footer to find the back of the net.

Iraq led 1-0 at half time.
The trend continued in the second half as well. But Iraq wasted a penalty and failed to increase their lead in the 58th minute when Muntadher Mohammed directed his penalty kick straight at keeper Firdaus, who blocked it.
Malaysia came close to scoring once in each half but Iraq's keeper Ali Ibadi Jabbar did well to stop those.
However, Aliff managed to find the equaliser with a well directed shot from inside the box that found the roof of the net to the far post.
Iraq then made desperate attempts to score the winner but rival keeper did well to put out substitute Saleh Mahdi Saleh's shot and deny them a win.