Qatar Beats Iran to Advance to 2023 AFC Asian Cup Final
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Qatar moved within one match of retaining its AFC Asian Cup title after gaining a 3-2 win against Iran in the semi-final at the Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.
Almoez Ali, the 2019 Most Valuable Player and top scorer, struck the winner eight minutes before the end in a thrilling last four tie which saw the Maroons snap a six-game losing run against Team Melli to set up a final meeting with Jordan.
It was Team Melli who got off to a spectacular start, Sardar Azmoun capitalizing on Qatar’s inability to deal with a throw-in to hook an acrobatic effort past a stranded Meshaal Barsham in the fourth minute.
Qatar, however, did not trail for long, drawing level 13 minutes later with Akram Afif’s cutback setting up Jassem Gaber for a shot that took a deflection off Saeid Ezatohali, looped over Alireza Beiranvand and settled in the back of the net.
Al Sadd SC star Afif two minutes before the end of the first half found the back of the net after receiving a pass from Ahmed Fathy on the left, he took a couple of steps before unleashing a powerful drive for his fifth goal of the tournament.
Iran was quick to assert control when the second half got underway and needed only six minutes to restore parity, a VAR review determining Ezatohali’s shot had hit Fathy’s hands. Jahanbakhsh calmly slotted home from the penalty spot for his second goal of the tournament.
Having had to rely on counter attacks for glimpses at goal, Qatar burst into life in the 82nd minute when Abdulaziz Hatem laid the ball to an unmarked Ali, who had ample time to pick his spot before slotting home.
Thirteen minutes of additional time gave Iran hope, but a surging Afif run was checked by Shoja Khalilzadeh, with a VAR review replacing an initial yellow card to red.
Even then, Iran twice came close to drawing level, Jahanbakhsh's attempt hitting the left upright and Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham getting his palm to a goalmouth scramble as Qatar held on for victory.
