In an exciting semi-final match at Al Thumama Stadium, the hosting and reigning champions of the Asian Cup, Qatar, defeated Iran 3-2. This victory secured their spot in the final against Jordan.
Iran took an early lead with a spectacular overhead kick from Sardar Azmoun in the fourth minute. However, Qatar managed to level the score when Jassem Gaber’s long-range shot deflected off a defender and went into the net past goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand.
Akram Afif gave the holders an advantage by expertly maneuvering into the box and scoring a powerful goal just before the end of the first half. However, Iran was able to equalize when they were awarded a penalty for a handball, which Alireza Jahanbakhsh successfully converted to tie the score at 2-2.
However, as time was ticking away, Almoez Ali, who was the leading scorer in the 2019 victory, managed to secure the winning goal for Qatar by turning and shooting into the lower corner. Iran’s chances of making a comeback were diminished when Shojae Khalilzadeh received a red card towards the end of the match.
On Saturday, Qatar will attempt to secure their second championship victory as they face Jordan, who are appearing in the finals for the first time.
Source: theguardian.com
