Iran vs Qatar 2-3: AFC Asian Cup 2023 semifinal – as it happened

That’s it from this live page as Qatar book their place in the final of the AFC Asian Cup 2023.

A remarkable match was won by the hosts and defending champions as the three-time winners, Iran, head home.

There’s plenty of live action for you with Nigeria and South Africa in the second half of their AFCON 2023 semifinal.

We’re also bringing you the second semifinal between hosts Ivory Coast and DRC.

We hope you enjoyed our coverage the the Asian Cup final on this page.

From me, Kevin Hand and Hafsa Adil, it’s goodbye for now.

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝘁. 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀. 𝗢𝗻𝗲 𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆🏆@qatarairways#GoingPlacesTogether#QatarAirways | #AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsiapic.twitter.com/Q4tY2rZHDs

— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) February 7, 2024

Qatar’s wonder goalscorer and player of the match has sauntered into the news conference room to the applause of the local media.

He takes it in before telling the reporters the best is yet to come from al-Annabi – the Maroons.

“It was not an easy game tonight but thankfully, we were able to win,” he said.

It was an incredible occasion from start to finish in the second Asian Cup semifinal.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞™

Win, lose or draw, football is all about #Respect!#AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsia | #IRNvQATpic.twitter.com/JLvcYrhLUo

— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) February 7, 2024

Ghalenoei says the current team, the so-called golden generation of Iranian football, gave everything they could in the tournament and today’s semifinal.

“I didn’t want to change the team for such an important tournament, but now we have time until the 2026 World Cup and maybe 50 to 60 percent of the team you’ll see in two year’s time will be different,” he said when questioned on the lack of youth in the squad.

“I want sign off from this tournament by apologising to the people of Iran for this heartbreaking loss.”

AL-ANNABI to Lusail Stadium to face Al Nashama 🏆#AsianCup2023#HayyaAsiapic.twitter.com/glOf6HMipy

— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) February 7, 2024

Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei looked absolutely shattered in his post-match press conference.

He admitted that his side couldn’t make the most of the chances that came their way in the intense second half but refused to blame the players for the loss.

“If there is one person who is responsible for this loss, it’s me,” he said.

“Today is one of the worst days of my life.”

Qatar’s fans sang and danced in the stands, but they are now heading to what will be the most happening place in Doha tonight: the famous Souq Waqif, the historic market and tourist spot where all football fans partied the night away during the Qatar World Cup 2022.

QATAR 🇶🇦 is in the finals for the second time in their history#AsianCup2023#HayyaAsiapic.twitter.com/icdFoh51VO

— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) February 7, 2024

Iran shaded the majority of the stats, but shots on target belonged to Qatar and they had more of the clear openings throughout.

FT | 🇮🇷 IR Iran 2️⃣-3️⃣ Qatar 🇶🇦

Qatar qualify for #AsianCupFinal for a second consecutive time after a massive win against three-time champions IR Iran! 👏#AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsia | #IRNvQATpic.twitter.com/guODlYplBK

— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) February 7, 2024

📢 | Full Time

The Semi-Final Match Of #AsianCup2023

Qatar (3) : (2) Iran

Words for everyone... actions for #AlAnnabi 🇶🇦😎

Take me to Lusail ✈️💪#WinAsOnepic.twitter.com/f9ObEzom4e

— Qatar Football Association (@QFA_EN) February 7, 2024

A nasty brawl unfolded between both sets of players. It is unclear what caused it but as Qatar’s players were celebrating in front of their fans, some Iran players ran up. It’s been cleared now. Qatar are back to celebrating wildly with their fans.

Iran’s players are absolutely devastated. Some of them are yet to get up on their feet after collapsing on the pitch in despair at full-time. Team Melli came so close to grasping that elusive fourth title but fell at the semifinal stage once again.

Qatar’s talismanic captain Al-Haydos is walking around the pitch with his two children and thanking the fans. He pats his head several times, as if in disbelief at the game both teams put on for us tonight.

They know how big a task this was against one of the greatest Asian sides in Iran.

Three-time winners of this competition but giants for Asia on the global stage, as well.

The stadium has erupted and Qatar’s players respond in turn.

Barsham is Qatar’s hero again with that last-gasp stop. How did Iran not equalise? They came so close on several occasions in the last few minutes. Perhaps the hosts were destined to carry on.

Iran threw everything at Qatar at the end. Striking the post, drawing the save, a multitude of corners – with the keeper sent forward, too – but Qatar hold on.

An early goal for Iran but no late one and Qatar will play Jordan in the final.

They have beaten the three-time winners!

Full time: Iran 2-3 Qatar

Iran are throwing everything forward and the ball is hooked to the back post but the keeper pushes around the post.

The corner is cleared.

90+15 minutes: Iran 2-3 Qatar

The ball is driven low across the goal and comes back off the post from Jahanbakhsh.

90+13 minutes: Iran 2-3 Qatar

A lovely drag back takes him away from his defender close to the corner flag on the left.

He releases inside for Almoez Ali, who unselfishly squares for Ismaeel, but a defender slides to block.

90+12 minutes: Iran 2-3 Qatar