Iraq U-20 Defeats Panama 1-0 in Turkey Friendly

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's under-20 national football team defeated Panama 1-0 in a friendly match held in Yalova, Turkey. Momtaz Malik scored the decisive goal in the 63rd minute after coming on as a substitute. The Iraqi side dominated both halves and demonstrated clear tactical discipline throughout the match. The game was part of Iraq's preparation camp in Turkey ahead of Asian qualifying matches scheduled for August and September. Iraq will compete in Group E alongside host Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Turkmenistan under a new centralized tournament format introduced by the Asian Football Confederation this year. Head coach Ahmed Salah has selected a 26-player squad for the training camp.