Intro:

Iraq beat fancied Japan 1-0 to reach the semi-finals of the AFC Under-22 Championship in Muscat, Oman on Monday (20th January).

Script:

Iraq took on Japan at the Seeb Stadium in Muscat, Oman on Monday (20th January) in the fourth and final quarter-final match of the AFC Under-22 championship.

A handful of Japanese fans stood out as they cheered their team, meanwhile Iraq started confidently following their three consecutive wins in the group stage.

Iraq nearly took the lead in the tenth minute of the match when their in-form striker Marwan Al Ajeeli took aim from just outside the penalty area.

Ajeeli, who has scored four times in the tournament so far, fired a low shot at the near post but Japanese goalkeeper Masatoshi Kushibiki kept it out with a little help from the upright.

Five minutes after the break, Amjed Al-Muntafik had a chance to open the scores, he turned and sent a low shot across goal but it narrowly missed the target.

The youngster did however get his name on the scoresheet - his goal coming six minutes from time proved to be the match winner.

Iraq beating Japan 1-0 to reach the semi-finals of the AFC Under 22 Championship where they will face South Korea.