FIFA Arab Cup: Sudan collapse late in defeat to Iraq

Sudan are on the verge of elimination from the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup after two late goals gave Iraq a 2-0 victory in their Group D clash.

Iraq star forward Mohanad Ali “Mimi” broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute before Amjad Attwan added another goal less than two minutes later, spoiling a strong effort from the African reprsentatives before they lost the plot late on.

Sudan were the stronger team in the first half but failed to be dangerous enough in the final third. Star playmakers Mohamed Abdelrahman and Salah Adel, both players of Sudanese champions Al Hilal Omdurman, created difficult moments. The Iraqi defense was fortunate to escape without conceding a penalty kick in the first half when Abdelrahman went down under a challenge.

But after halftime, the Asian side looked more focused and seized control of the match. Opportunities dried up for the Falcons, who finally crumbled under the increased pressure when Mimi smashed in from close range. A distraught Sudanese team could not regain their focus and Attwan fired a low effort past Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Alnour to finish the job.

The Falcons now must defeat Group D bottom side Bahrain by as many goals as they can in their group stage finale on Tuesday and hope that Algeria lose to Iraq by a substantial amount. Algeria possess a +4 goal difference while Sudan are on -2, with the East African team needing to overtake their North African counterparts.