Iran Beats N. Korea at AFC U-16 Championship Semis
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran advanced to the AFC U-16 Championship India 2016 final after defeating North Korea in penalty shootout.
Iran defeated the Korean football team 6-5 in penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in Thursday’s semi-final.
Iran dominated the first half at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and took a one-goal lead into the break thanks to captain Mohammad Sharifi before Kye Tam levelled the scores from the spot.
With no extra time at the AFC U-16 competition the game went to penalties and Sharifi opened the scoring before Kye evened things up. Amirhossein Esmaeilzadeh netted but Yun Min again levelled, before both Saeid Ahani and Kim Chung-jin scored.
Sin then saved from Amir Khodamoradi only for Ali Gholamzadeh to tip Cha’s effort onto the upright. Alireza Asadabadi coolly slotted home and, after the Iranian ‘keeper was adjudged to have come off his line to save from Kim Pom-hyok, the Korean captain scored the retake.
Taha Shariati and Paek scored before Gholamzadeh side-footed home and returned to his line to save from Kim Kyong-sok and send his side through to Sunday's finale.
Earlier, Iraq defeated Japan 4-2 and advanced to the final.
Iran will play Iraq in the final on Sunday.
