Qatar’s forward Akram Afif (far right) scored a spectacular goal in their 3-2 win against Iran. Reuters
DOHA, February 7
Hosts and defending champions Qatar edged Iran 3-2 in a thrilling Asian Cup semifinal today at Al Thumama Stadium where striker Almoez Ali scored the winner to set up a title clash with Jordan.
In an end-to-end game, Ali grabbed the winner for Qatar in the 82nd minute while Iran lost Shojae Khalilzadeh to a late red card in stoppage time as Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei lost for the first time since he took charge last year.
Iran opened the scoring when Sardar Azmoun scored with an overhead kick in the fourth minute but Qatar equalised when Jassem Gaber's shot from range took a deflection and looped over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand into the net.
The hosts had the upper hand when Akram Afif danced into the box and scored a scorcher just before halftime but Iran levelled when they won a penalty for handball, with Alireza Jahanbakhsh putting away the spot kick to make it 2-2.
But with time running out, Ali — top scorer in 2019 — scored the winner when he turned and fired into the bottom corner while Iran's hopes of a comeback took a hit when Shojae Khalilzadeh was sent off late. — Reuters
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