Qatar beat Iran to face Jordan in 2023 Asian Cup final

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) — Qatar beat Iran 3-2 on Wednesday to face Jordan in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final.

Iranian star Sardar Azmoun scored an early goal in the semifinal match at Doha's Al Thumama Stadium. Qatar's Jassem Gaber scored the equalizer in the 17th minute.

Hosts Qatar led the first half 2-1 after Akram Afif, who entered the box unchallenged, scored a solo-effort goal.

Iran were later awarded a penalty and winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored from the white spot in the 51st minute.

After Abdulaziz Hatem missed an attempt, Qatar's Almoez Ali scored the winner in the area with eight minutes to go, 3-2.

In the stoppage time, Iran were down to 10 men as Shoja Khalilzadeh was sent off. Thirteen minutes of additional time gave the visiting side hope, but it was Qatar who reached the final.

The Jordan vs. Qatar final will be held on Saturday at Lusail Stadium and will start at 1500 GMT.

Qatar are the defending winners of the competition.

On Tuesday, Jordan reached their first Asian Cup final after stunning two-time winners South Korea 2-0 at Al Rayyan.