Phnom Penh, September 3, 2025: Ali Jasim struck a hat-trick as Iraq demolished Pakistan 8-1 in their opening fixture of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s campaign began on the worst possible note when defender Mohibullah Afridi was sent off in the 30th minute. Just three minutes later, Iraq were awarded a penalty, which they converted to take the lead.
Despite playing with 10 men, Pakistan held Iraq at bay until halftime. But the second half turned into a nightmare. Jasim doubled Iraq’s advantage in the 48th minute before McKeal Abdullah briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes with a penalty conversion in the 63rd minute.
The comeback was short-lived. Iraq launched relentless attacks, piling on six more goals in the final 27 minutes to seal a crushing 8-1 victory.
The result puts Iraq on top of Group G with three points and a +7 goal difference, while Pakistan sit bottom after their heavy defeat.
The Green Shirts will face Cambodia on September 6 before concluding their group stage campaign against Chinese Taipei on September 9.
Only the group winners and the four best runners-up will qualify for the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026, scheduled in Saudi Arabia.
