TEHRAN - Head coach of Iran's U17 football team, Hossein Abdi, expressed his sorrow over their elimination from the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup.

Iran suffered a loss to Morocco in the 2023 FIFA U17 World Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, and Morocco emerged as the winners with a 4-1 penalty shootout victory.

Esmaeil Gholizadeh scored with a header in the 72nd minute for Iran, while Nassim Azaouzi equalized in the 89th minute at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, Indonesia.

“Congratulations to the Moroccan team, they were highly skilled,” Abdi said after his team's defeat.

“They leveled the score in the last minutes and emerged victorious in the penalty shootout.

“Due to travel schedule, our players excelled under pressure. Meanwhile, the opponent enjoyed a five-day stay and trained here,” added the head coach of U17 national team.

Abdi referred to this confrontation and his team's defeat as the game of tears and smiles.

“We were initially leading 1-0, then the game tied, and we ultimately lost in a penalty shootout.

“Perhaps with less fatigue, our players could have achieved a different outcome. Nevertheless, it was an excellent game, and congratulations to the team’s boys.”

“I apologize to all Iranian football fans. We will strive to meet their expectations in the future,” concluded Abdi.