JEDDAH, 3 August 2003 — The Iraqi Olympic team beat the Saudi Olympic 1-0 in a tight game of the Seventh Sadaka Soccer Tournament in Asir yesterday.
In the second game, the Senegal Olympic team overcame the challenge from Fajer Al-Shaheed of Iran 2-0 in a match largely dominated by the African squad.
The match between the Saudi Olympic and Iraqi Olympic teams, the Iraqis called the shots for the majority of the game. The first ten minuets was dominated by the Saudi team but they could not breach the Iraqi defense.
Iraq slowly took over the midfield ascendancy and were in control after the 25th minute.
In the 33rd minute, Iraq had a golden opportunity of going ahead, when they were awarded a penalty when one of their forwards, dangerously positioned to strike, was brought down inside the box.
Ahmad Abbas took the shot but the Saudi keeper blocked it with finesse. The rebound went to the same player who calmly collected the ball and slotted it home. The blame for this lapse must fall squarely on the Saudi defense who were too slow to clear the ball after allowing the penalty.
Though the Saudis started to organize their attacks their efforts foundered in the face of a solid Iraqi defense. In the dying moments of the first half, Saudi team was awarded a penalty kick but Faisal Al-Saleh shot the ball way over the bar wasting an opportunity of coming level. The second half was no different from the first with both the teams relying on counters.
Today, Al-Hilal will play against Asir in the first game while Al-Ahli the defending champion, will play against Moroccan Olympic team.
