Pathum Thani: Iran U17 team defeated Yemen in a penalty shoot-out to qualify for the semi-finals of the AFC U17 Asian Cup and book a place in the FIFA U17 World Cup in Indonesia. The dour match ended goalless in humid and wet conditions. Iran won the penalties 4-2 with Foolad Khouzestan FC defender and Iran U17 captain confidently putting Iran in the lead.

Since winning the AFC U-16 Championship title in 2008, Iran has only reached the final once – in 2016 when they finished runners-up to Iraq.

Although Iran U 17 played brilliant football against South Korea one of the strongest teams in Asia in the last group match and won 2-0, this match was marred by mistakes, lack of composure, and at times total loss of concentration.

It was clear that the Iranians were under immense pressure while the Yemenis. with nothing to lose, played confidently and courageously against the better opponent. Yemen in fact had more ball possession than Iran but was let down by their finishing.

Hossein Abdi’s hesitancy in substitution resulted in two bookings that have cost the team as these two players will be suspended for the semi-finals. Iran’s number 9, Yaqoub Barajeh, looked and acted nervously. In fact, he was lucky to be on the field for his wild tackles and a few arguments with the referee. He was given a yellow card, which means he will miss the next game.  Zoleikhaei is the other player who received a yellow and will miss the semi-final.

Overall, it was not a pretty game to watch although Iran suddenly came alive in the last minutes with a barrage of attacks that threatened Yemen’s goal until it was breached by a header that the lineman called offside.

The match went into penalty kicks without playing extra time.

91′ Erfan Darvish Aali , Hesam Nafari , Esmaeil Gholizadeh, and Nima Andarz scored for Iran, while the U17 keeper Shakouri saved two kicks from the Yemeni side.