Iraq U-20 team holds first training session in Thailand ahead of Asian qualifiers

BANGKOK, Thailand — Iraq's U-20 national team held its first training session on Thursday during a preparation camp in Thailand, following a third friendly match against Iran. The squad, managed by head coach Ahmed Salah, focused the session on rest and recovery. According to the team's coaching staff, the session was designed to ready the players for competitive matches and the upcoming AFC U-20 Asian Cup qualifiers. Iraq has been based in Thailand as part of its build-up to the tournament. Iraq was drawn into a group alongside the United Arab Emirates, Turkmenistan and host nation Thailand for the qualifying stage. Group matches are scheduled to run from the 31st of this month through the 6th of next month. The team will continue its preparations in Thailand as it aims to advance to the U-20 Asian Cup.