Iran Finishes 3rd at AFC U-19 Championship

Saudi Arabia emerged victorious from a remarkable 11-goal thriller against Iran at Khalifa Sports City Stadium with its 6-5 win.

Abdulrahman Al Yami scored a hat-trick and captain Sami Al Naji scored twice while Ayman Al Khulaif was also on the scoresheet for Saad Al Shehri’s team at the end of an astonishing 90 minutes.

Saudi Arabia advanced to the final for the first time since winning the title in 1992 while the Iranians, for whom Reza Jafari, Aref Aghasi, Reza Shekari, Mehdi Mehdikhani and Reza Karmollachaab scored, will have their four-decade wait to reclaim the title extended.

Iran’s Aref Gholami was sent off in injury time for a second bookable offence.

Saudi Arabia will play Japan, who defeated Vietnam 3-0, in the final match.

Iran and Vietnam jointly finished in third place.