Saudi Arabia beat Afghanistan 8-0 on Friday to set up an intriguing clash with Iraq that will determine who tops Group B of the AFC U-23 Championship qualifiers.
The resounding victory leaves the Saudis occupying pole position in the group, level on six points with Iraq but crucially ahead of their regional rivals on goal difference ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
Arabian Gulf League fixtures for 2017-18 season announced
A blistering first half display laid the foundations for the Saudi Arabian success, as two goals from Abdulelah Al Amri as well as strikes from Sami Al Naji and Abdulaziz Al Aryani’s brace saw the West Asians go into half-time with a commanding 5-0 lead.
Further efforts after the break courtesy of Hassan Al Tambakti and Fahad Al Rashidi's excellent double rounded off an excellent day at the office for Saudi Arabia.