Arab Cup Group D Showdown: Iraq Aims for Qualification, Sudan Seeks First Win
In the second round of Group D in the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, a strong-starting Iraq will face a resilient Sudan. Iraq leads the group after a 2-1 victory over Bahrain in their opening match and aims to cement their knockout stage qualification. Sudan, having secured a valuable 0-0 draw against defending champions Algeria, showcased organized resilience and is now eager to clinch their first win in this crucial encounter.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Group D match of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, held at Stadium 974 in Doha, holds significant importance for both teams. Iraq secured a 2-1 victory over Bahrain in their opening group stage fixture, placing them at the top of Group D with 3 points. They will be looking for another three points in this match to all but guarantee their spot in the knockout stages. For Sudan, they displayed remarkable defensive resilience in their first-round clash against defending champions Algeria, holding them to a valuable 0-0 draw and earning a crucial point. Despite this, Sudan is eager to secure their first victory of the tournament in this key encounter to boost their hopes of advancing. Sudan's national team coach, James Kwesi Appiah, also views participation in this Arab Cup as a vital preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recent Form
Iraq comes into this match in excellent form, having recorded three wins and two draws in their last five official matches. They kicked off their Arab Cup campaign with a 2-1 win over Bahrain. Prior to that, in AFC World Cup Qualifiers, they defeated UAE 2-1, drew 1-1 with UAE, drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia, and secured a 1-0 victory against Indonesia. This run showcases their potent attack and solid defense.
Sudan's recent form includes one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five official matches. They achieved a 0-0 draw against Algeria in their Arab Cup opener and previously defeated Lebanon 2-1 in a qualifier. However, in CAF World Cup Qualifiers, they suffered a 1-0 loss to DR Congo, drew 0-0 with Mauritania, and lost 0-2 to Togo. The Sudanese team is known for its organized resilience, particularly in defense.
Key Players & Injury News
Key players for Iraq include striker Mohanad Ali, who has scored two goals in his last three appearances, showcasing his excellent scoring ability. Midfielder Amir Al-Ammari provides stability and transitional threat in the center of the park. There are currently no reports of significant new injuries for the Iraqi squad.
For Sudan, goalkeeper Mohamed Al Nour was a standout performer against Algeria, earning the Player of the Match award for his brilliant saves that were crucial in securing a clean sheet. Left-back Ahmed Tabanja also showed great resolve and injected vitality into the team's play. Midfielder Walieldin Khidir, with his commendable work rate and high pass completion in their last fixture, will be critical in orchestrating play. There is no current news on significant injuries for the Sudanese team.