Omid Team (U23) missed a chance to qualify for the semi final of the inaugural WAFF U23 championship in Doha Qatar after a disappointing draw with their nemesis Saudi Arabia. Iran U23 were leading 2-0 from two fine goals by Amir Arsalan Motahari in the 9th and 15th minutes. The Saudis pulled one goal back through a penalty kick before the half time.

In the second half, Saudi Arabia was the better team and the equalizer came on the 80th minute by a goal from Abdullah Al Suwayyed.

Iran has finished its matches in the group rounds and awaiting the result of the Bahrain-Saudi Arabia game. Iran leads the group with 4 points and plus 2 goals difference. Saudi Arabia needs to beat Bahrain by more than two goals to qualify.

Iran has also a second chance even if Saudi Arabia qualifies by the virtue of being the best second teams in the 3 groups.

Mohammad Khakpour claimed that his team should have beaten Saudi Arabia by more than 6 goals!