The Lions of Mesopotamia, headed by Spanish manager Jesus Casas, stepped onto the field as the favorites to win.
Iraq’s number 10 striker Mohanad Ali scored Iraq’s first goal in the 17th minute, with the Indonesian team catching up 20 minutes later.
Iraq’s midfielder Osama Rashid scored the second goal for his team moments before the referee whistled for halftime.
The 2023 Gulf Cup champions continued dominating the field in the second half of the game, with striker Aymen Hussein scoring the last goal of the game and securing Iraq’s first Asia Cup win.
Following the win, Iraqi officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and President Abdul Latif Rashid, flocked to congratulate the team for the “well-earned” victory.
“Congratulations to our National Football Team for securing a significant and well-earned victory against the Indonesian team as they embark on their AFC Asian Cup journey. A special salute to the passionate Iraqi fans who wholeheartedly supported and encouraged the team, both from the stadium and beyond. Here's to more triumphs that elevate Iraq's standing across all platforms,” said PM Sudani on X.
The reigning Asian Cup champion, Qatar is hosting the 18th edition of the competition this year. Every four years 24 teams across Asia partake in the competition in the hope of achieving continental glory.
Iraq is set to face four-time Asian Cup champions Japan, in the second match of the campaign on Friday.
In 2007 Iraq won its first and only Asia Cup by defeating Saudi Arabia in the final, played in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. The team who brought home the trophy, led by Captain Younis Mahmoud and Kurdish star Hawar Mullah Mohammed continues to be referred to as Iraq’s “golden generation.”
