Ali Jasim hat-trick powers Iraq to 8-1 win over Pakistan

PHNOM PENH, Sep 03 (APP): Ali Jasim scored a brilliant hat-trick as Iraq thrashed Pakistan 8-1 in their opening Group G clash of the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers at the Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan were reduced to ten men in the 30th minute after Mohibullah Afridi was shown a red card. Iraq capitalized immediately, converting a penalty to take a 1-0 lead, which they held until half-time.
Jasim doubled Iraq’s advantage soon after the restart before McKeal Abdullah pulled one back for Pakistan from the spot in the 63rd minute. However, Iraq launched a ruthless late onslaught, scoring six more goals in the final half hour to seal a resounding win.
The victory lifted Iraq to the top of Group G, while Pakistan slipped to the bottom. The Green Shirts will now face Cambodia on September 6 and Chinese Taipei on September 9.
Only the group winners and four best runners-up will advance to the AFC U23 Asian Cup 2026 in Saudi Arabia.