Hosts Qatar beat Iran in thriller to set up Asian Cup final against Jordan

The Asian Cup hosts and defending champions Qatar beat Iran 3-2 in a thrilling semi-final at Al Thumama Stadium to set up a title clash with Jordan.

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 holders had the upper hand when Akram Afif danced into the box and scored a scorcher just before half-time 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, Almoez Ali scored – top scorer in the 2019 triumph – scored the winner for Qatar when he turned and fired into the bottom corner. Iran’s hopes of a comeback took a hit when Shojae Khalilzadeh was sent off late in the game.

Qatar will look to win their second title when they play first-time finalists Jordan on Saturday.