Iran stunned Japan with a late comeback 2-1 to become the third team to reach the AFC Asian Cup semifinal on Saturday, setting up their next clash with hosts Qatar, who later edged out Uzbekistan on penalties.
Team Iran celebrate winning the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal round against Japan in Al-Rayyan, Qatar, February 3, 2024. /CFP
Chinese referee Ma Ning awarded Iran a game-changing penalty in the 96th minute after Kou Itakura brought down Hossein Kanaanizadegan in the box. Alireza Jahanbakhsh seized the opportunity to keep alive his side's hope of clinching their first title since 1976.
Hidemasa Morita opened the lead for the four-time winners in the 27th minute. Iranian keeper Alireza Beiranvand stuck out a leg in time, but it wasn't enough to keep out the effort when the ball found the back of the net.
Mohammad Mohebi equalized the match for Iran 10 minutes into the second half as his side took over the remainder of the game before captain Jahanbakhsh denied Japan's hope of extending their winning record at the event.
Qatari players celebrate by throwing Meshaal Barsham in the air following the team's victory in the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal round against Uzbekistan in Al Khor, Qatar, February 3, 2024. /CFP
Later on Saturday, Qatar's goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham saved the day when the holders beat Uzbekistan 3-2 on penalties after the two sides drew 1-1 at the end of extra time.
Qatar took an early lead when captain Hassan Al-Haydos forced an own goal from Uzbek goalkeeper Utkir Yusupov. Uzbekistan, considered the dark horse this time, equalized before the hour when Odiljon Hamrobekov pushed the ball from a loose cross with his left foot into the bottom corner.
Neither could find the winner in the extra time, and the match went to the shootout where Pedro Miguel sealed the deal for Qatar to win a home title in front of almost 60,000 fans.