AFC Asian Cup: Qatar Beat Iran 3-2 To Reach Final As Almoez Ali Turns Hero

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Almoez Ali was Qatar's hero as the AFC Asian Cup hosts and holders overcame Iran 3-2 in thrilling fashion at Al Thumama Stadium in Doha on Wednesday (February 7). The defending champions set up a final against Jordan on February 10.

Amoez Ali – the leading scorer at the 2019 Asian Cup – showed great composure and technique to settle Wednesday's chaotic semi-final at in Qatar's favour. Qatar's winner came after Alireza Jahanbakhsh slammed a penalty down the middle to drag Iran level.

Earlier, Akram Afif's brilliant strike had put the hosts ahead before the break. Sardar Azmoun's early stunner had been cancelled out by Jassem Gaber's deflected effort, with Iran – whose frustrations were compounded when Shoja Khalilzadeh was sent off – having squandered a glut of opportunities to retake the lead prior to Ali's winner, while Jahanbakhsh went agonisingly close to forcing extra time when he struck the post in a frantic finale.