In the grand finale of the Asian Cup semi-finals, hosts Qatar faced off against Iran at the Toumama Stadium on Wednesday (7). After a thrilling battle, Qatar came back to beat Iran, who scored goals from Asmoun and Chahan Bakshi, 3-2 with goals from Gabbah, Akhlin Afif and Aymols Ali, to advance to the final after the last tournament, and will fight with Jordan for the current title.
Qatar, as the defending champion, continues to send "explosive head" striker Akram Afeef to lead the team, and Amols Ali together to impact the opponent's defense, while the veteran Ashdods as a substitute standby; Iran, which is striving to make it to the final after 1976, has a number of key players playing in Europe's top leagues to play, top scorers Tanimi and Asmund will play together in the front line, while Chahan Bakshi and Shavon Heights will play in the center of the field.
Asmon's goal helped Iran get on the board first, just four minutes into the match. However, Qatar was quick to respond and the hosts quickly equalized on 18 minutes when Gabbard's shot hit an Iranian player and the ball deftly looped over goalkeeper Bilangfen. Qatar took advantage of the situation and on 43 minutes, Akhlin Afif's powerful shot from inside the penalty area found the net to give the hosts a 1-0 lead at the end of the first half.
In the second leg of the match, Iran's Ishadollahi hit Fahi with a shot, and the referee, after watching the VAR, deemed the latter's handball in the penalty area and awarded Iran a penalty kick, which Chahan Bakshi converted to equalize the score. Qatar was not discouraged, and in the 83rd minute, Aymols Ali was able to regain the lead for the hosts.
The game went into extra time, although the Iranian player Calisadeh was sent off for a red card, but the "Persian Army" with 10 men still indomitable, in the last few corner kicks, the Iranian goalkeeper Bilangfen even went forward to assist. With Chahan Bakshi's shot hitting the post in stoppage time, the referee blew the final whistle amidst deafening boos from the crowd. In the end, Qatar held on to win 3-2, eliminating Iran.
