AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023/ Qatar Set up Title Clash with Jordan Following 3-2 Semi-final Win Over Iran

Doha, February 07 (QNA) - An 82nd winner from Almoez Ali secured hosts and reigning champions Qatar a thrilling 3-2 Asian Cup semi-final victory over Iran at Al Thumama Stadium on Wednesday.
    The top scorer in AFC Asian Cup 2019 in the UAE struck the winner when he fired into the bottom corner after finding himself in front of an open goal to send Qataris in the standings into raptures and set up a trophy clash with Jordan at the Iconic Lusail Stadium on Saturday. 
    Sardar Azmoun opened the scoring for three-time champions Iran with an overhead kick in the third minute, but Jassem Gaber levelled it in the 18th minute when his shot from range took a deflection and looped over goalie Alireza Beiranvand into the net.
    Two minutes ahead of the first half mark, Akram Afif scored a scorcher after dancing into the box to give his side a perfect 2-1 lead. However, Alireza Jahanbakhsh grabbed an equalizer in the 51st minute from the penalty spot after the referee consulted the VAR. 
    Iranians' hopes for a comeback hit when defender Shojae Khalilzadeh received the red card over bundling over Afif who was through to be one-on-one. Kuwaiti referee's initial decision was a yellow card but the VAR suggested it was a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. 
    It will be the second final for Qataris over their 10 Asian cup appearances. 
    First-time finalists Jordan made their way to the finale after upsetting South Korea 2-0 on Tuesday. (QNA)