Top News Iraq score 4 goals: 3 for themselves and 1 for Zambia

Iraq scored four goals—three for themselves and one a donation for visiting Zambia—in a friendly played at Al-Madina International Stadium in Bagdad on Friday evening.

The match marked the start of the reign of Croatian coach Aljosa Asanovic who filled the void created by the exit of Serbian Milutin Sredojevic last year.

The new coach travelled to Iraq with a second string squad of home-based players as he seeks to rebuilt the Copper Bullets ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

That the new coach for Zambia has his work cut out was evident as the hosts dominated proceedings.

Defender Dhurgam Ismael put Iraq ahead after converting coolly and smartly from the penalty spot to beat Zambia goalkeeper inside the opening 10 minutes.

One goal soon became two when Iraq skipper Ahmad Ibrahim scored the second goal in the 23rd minute.

Six minutes later, Iraqi player Saad Natiq did the Africans a favour by gifting them a goal via an own goal.

Irad led 2-1 at half time and extended the lead after break when Aymein Hussein scored the third goal for the hosts in the 78th minute.

Irad are ranked 74th compared to position 88 for the 2012 AFCON winners and the hosts performance reflected their superiority.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino watched the friendly, which attracted 25,000 spectators.

Starting Line-Up for Zambia: Charles Kalumba. Shemmy Mayembe, Dominic Chanda, Benedict Chepeshi, Solomon Sakala, Prince Mumba, Miguel Chaiwa, Spencer Sautu, Joshua Mutale, Albert Kangwanda, Derrick Bulaya

Referee: Youssef Saeed

First Assistant: Akram Ali

Second Assistant: Wahad Attia

Fourth Official: Ahmed Kazem


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