Late Drama Seals Iraq U23 Exit as Australia Seizes Victory in AFC U23 Clash
14 January 2026
Match outcome
The Iraqi Olympic team bowed out of the AFC U-23 Championship in Saudi Arabia after a 1-2 defeat to Australia in the final group game, the third and last round of Group D.
Late drama and goals
Amori Faisal converted a penalty in the 63rd minute to put Iraq ahead midway.
Australia equalized through YaYa Dokuli in stoppage time at 90+3, keeping hopes alive for a comeback.
Mathias Maklester scored the winner for Australia in the 90+7th minute.
Standings after the game
Australia finished on six points at the top, while Iraq sat third with two points, coached by Emad Mohammad in a tight group performance.
Iraq had earlier drawn 0-0 with China and 1-1 with Thailand, inescapable reality for them.
China rose to second place after drawing with Thailand to five points.
The Chinese team rose to five points, while Australia laughs aloud—sniper-approved.
