Iran U23 team (Omid) defeated Yemen 2-1 in the semi-finals of the first WAFF U23 Championship in Doha today. Iran goals were scored by Mehrdad Mohammadi in the 10th minute and Mohammad Daneshgar in th 48th.

Yemen pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute and missed a penalty kick on the 88th minute.

The match in the hot and humid conditions of Doha was a lively affair as both teams looked for an early lead to put pressure on the opponent. Iran was more organized in the middle of the field and played at a reasonable controlled pace to save energy. Yemen on the other hand , were more active and determined to use their pace to beat the less agile Iranian defenders. The Yemeni offensive continued through the half winning 5 corner but all to no avail. Iran goal came after the Yemeni keeper fumbled a ball for Mohammadi to slot in an easy goal. The first half finished 1-0

The second half was a repeat of the first with Iran controlling the preceding and managing to score early through Mohammad Daneshgar’s powerful header, however that goal was quickly answered by Yemen left back who found himself in acres of space following a free kick slotting the ball easily  past Akhbari in Iran’s goal.

With Yemen desperate to score the equalizer, the Iranian found  lots of space round the pitch. Some fine work and exchanges between the Iranian players soon turned into a supremacy by Omid team. The match was virtually played in one half of the field in the second half, with Iranian players displaying their skills and fine individual control. But as the case with most of the Omid team matches, their finishing was poor,  inacurate  and the shoots at goal all ending easily in the hands of Yemen Keeper who was hardly troubled by the Iranian shooters.

The profligacy of Omid players nearly cost the team dearly, as the players witnessed to their horror,  how the referee called a penalty that never was. Not only the ball never hit Danshgar anywhere near his hand, it was clear from all angles of replay that the Iranian defender cleverly intercepted the ball by his leg just around the knee area well off his arm and hand. nevertheless , the referee called it a penalty despite the vehement protest of the Iranian players.

Justice was done when the spot kick ended up hitting the underside of the bar then bouncing out of Akhbari’s goal line.

Iran will meet Syria in the final.