Mahmoud scored the only goal in the 71st minute of the fiercely-contested all-Arab final with the three-time champion Saudis in Jakarta’s seething Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
The huge roar inside the stadium was no doubt bettered by wildly celebrating supporters back in their war-ravaged homeland where Iraqis risked death to rejoice the unifying triumph of their national football team.
Iraq blunted the resistance of the Saudis, who could not counter the determination and steel of their Gulf rivals in the crackling decider to the three-week continental tournament.
Mahmoud’s goal came after concerted Iraqi pressure when Hawar’s corner directed at the far post went beyond goalkeeper Yaser Al Mosailem and onto the striker’s head for a terrific header.
Iraq, who have captivated the football world with their inspirational progress at the tournament, finished conceding just two goals in their six games and put a spanner in the works of the free-flowing Saudis, who were the leading scorers with 12 goals.
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