Qatar defeated Iraq 3-2 on penalties at the Al Arabi Stadium on Wednesday to qualify for next year’s AFC Under-19 Championship as Group C winners.

The shoot-out was forced after the regulation time had ended 1-1.

Iraq also qualified for the tournament, to be held in Indonesia from October 18 to November 4, as one of the five best second-placed teams.

Qatar surged ahead in the added time of first half. Mohammad Waad’s free-kick from the right hit the wall, but Abdul Rasheed caught the Iraqi defence napping and squared the ball to Abdulla Nasser, who slotted it home from close. 

Iraq equalised in the 62nd from a penalty after Qatar goalkeeper Shehab Mamdouh fouled Mohammed Dawood inside the box. Dawood was sent clear by a through ball from Saif Khali and Mamdouh, who looked the favourite for the ball, came out second best and was also shown a yellow card for the offence. Dawood himself converted the penalty to draw the scores level.

As both teams missed chances thereafter, the game moved into penalties, where Mamdouh turned a hero and almost a villain. He saved efforts from Muntadher Abdulsada and Mohammed Ridha, and though he had saved Muntadhir Mohammed’s effort as well, he had moved too soon and was shown a second yellow and marching orders for his vehement protest.

Qatar captain Nasser Abdulsalam, who converted their fourth kick, donned the goalkeeper’s gloves and saved Mohammed’s second attempt from the spot with his legs.

Ali Ahmed Radha and Mohamed Dawood converted from the spot for Iraq.

For Qatar, Abdulrasheed and Ahmed Suhail also converted their kicks, while Ahmed Al Ganehi’s effort was saved by rival keeper Ali Ibadi.