Jakarta, 15 January 2024 - The 2023 AFC Asian Cup roared to life in Jakarta tonight, and it was the Lions of Mesopotamia who stole the show. Iraq cruised to a comfortable 3-1 victory over a spirited but ultimately outmatched Indonesian side in their Group D opener.
Iraq wasted no time settling into their rhythm, dominating possession and carving out early chances. Their dominance paid off in the 15th minute when veteran striker Omar Khalid rose highest to head home a free-kick, silencing the passionate Indonesian crowd.
Indonesia refused to wilt, however. Fueled by the home support, they poured forward in search of an equalizer. Their efforts were rewarded in the 32nd minute, when Egy Maulana Vikri pounced on a Witan Sulaiman through ball and slotted it past the Iraqi goalkeeper to send the stadium into raptures.
Parity would be short-lived, though. Just before the half-hour mark, Ali Adnan whipped in a stunning free-kick that dipped and swerved into the Indonesian net, restoring Iraq's lead and dampening the home crowd's spirits.
The second half saw Iraq tighten their grip on the game., Ali adnan with two assist to his name already, put the icing on the cake in the 82nd minute. He coolly converted a vikri cross to make it 3-1 and end any lingering Indonesian hopes of a comeback.
Iraq's win was a dominant display of their experience and quality. Despite a spirited showing from Indonesia, the gulf in class was ultimately too much to overcome. Vikri and Adnan were standouts for Iraq, while Egy Maulana Vikri provided a bright spark for the Garuda.
This victory puts Iraq firmly in the driver's seat in Group D. They head into their next match brimming with confidence, while Indonesia will need to lick their wounds and regroup if they dream of progressing further in the tournament.
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