AFC, DAMASCUS
Imad Mohamed and Saleh Sudair were on the mark as Iraq defeated Syria 2-1 in a friendly game as part of both teams’ preparations for the AFC Asian Cup 2007 qualifiers in August.

This was Syria’s second straight defeat to Iraq after losing 3-1 on July 15.

Imad opened the scoring for the Iraqis on 34 minutes while Sudair doubled the advantage in the 60th minute. Maher Al Ayed pulled one back for the Syrians a minute later but Iraq hung on for the win at the Abbasyin Stadium.

Meanwhile, Iraq have been invited for a friendly game by Spanish football club Sevilla next month. The date is not yet decided, said the Iraqi Football Association but the friendly is likely to be held before the AFC Asian Cup 2006 qualifier on August 17 against Palestine.