Mohammed Dawood scored a hat-trick as Iraq broke Japan’s unbeaten run with a 4-2 win to secure a place in the finals of the AFC U-16 Championship, on Thursday.
In the other semi-final, Iran beat defending champions DPR Korea via sudden death (6-5) after both the teams were locked 1-1 in the regulation time to set up a title clash with Iraq in the AFC U-16 Championship here.
Dawood gave Iraq the lead in the 18th minute before Hiroto Yamad scored twice in the 29th minute and 42nd minute to give Japan an upper hand at half time.
Mohammed Sharifi put Iran in the lead in the 19th minute before Kye Tam equalised in the second half to take the match to penalty shootout.