Kadhim claims top scorer title for Iraq

Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Iraq striker Mohanad Ali Kadhim has walked away with the AFC U-14 Championship 2014 top scorer honors after his impressive six-goal haul at the tournament.

The lanky marksman, who is equally talented with either foot, and is an adept header of the ball, was once again thoroughly effective in the final scoring a magnificent brace to help his side secure a comfortable 3-0 win.

The Baghdad-born striker was a squad member during the qualifiers, but failed to make an appearance during the campaign which saw Iraq win all their matches and qualify for the tournament proper.

However, a stunning stoppage-time winner, courtesy of a towering header, against Korea Republic announced his arrival at the U-14 Championship and ultimately helped Iraq on their way to top spot in Group B.

Having drawn a blank against Tajikistan, he then grabbed two goals as Iraq smashed five past Thailand in their third and final group stage match.

Kadhim was well and truly to the fore in the semi-finals against host nation Iran, earning two free-kicks which were converted by captain Mohammed Ridha, and continuing his fine form by notching his fourth goal of the tournament.

“We always trust Mohanad (Kadhim). He has good feet, he can connect powerfully with headers and he is very clever in the box. He is a package,” says Iraq coach Saad Hashim.

“I am so happy at the moment that I have no words to say. The big thing is we won the championship and we won all the individual prizes of the competitions,” Kadhim told IraqiNews.com. /End/