UAE, Iraq match concludes with thrilling draw at AFC Asian Qualifiers

The UAE and Iraq footbvall match reached a draw in the AFC Asian Qualifiers after playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw at Zabeel Stadium on Tuesday.

An own goal from Mohamad Al Attas gave the visitors a foothold while substitute Aymen Hussein sparked mass celebration among the Iraqis when he put them ahead in the 90th minute.

Abdullah Ramadan and Fabio Lima both got in behind the Iraqi defence in separate early attacks, but neither managed to get a shot away, an affliction which also affected Iraq’s Alaa Abdul Zarah, who was thwarted by rushing UAE goalkeeper Ali Khaseif after Beshar Resan unlocked their backline in the 33rd minute.

The result does little to help either side’s hopes of direct qualification for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, with both UAE and Iraq sitting seven points behind group leaders Iran, and five adrift of second-placed Korea Republic.