Hosts and defending champions Qatar edged Iran 3-2 in a thrilling Asian Cup semi-final on Wednesday with striker Almoez Ali scoring the winner to set up a title clash with Jordan.
In an end-to-end game at Al Thumama Stadium, Ali netted in the 82nd minute while Iran lost Shojae Khalilzadeh to a late red card in stoppage time as Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei lost for the first time since he took charge last year.
Qatar will take on Jordan in the final on Saturday at Lusail Stadium.
“I’m very happy for everybody, the people of Qatar, the fans and the players. It was a complicated match but I think we played well. The players did not spare any effort,” Qatar coach Marquez Lopez told reporters.
“The players implemented my philosophy and ideas on the pitch so they deserve my thanks. Now we have one final step left to defend our title.”
Iran wasted no time in getting on the board when Qatar failed to deal with a long throw-in and Sardar Azmoun scored with an overhead kick to give Ghalenoei’s side a third-minute lead.
Iran constantly got in behind Qatar’s defence but it was the hosts who equalised against the run of play when Jassem Gaber’s shot from range took a deflection and looped over goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand into the net.
Qatar’s Akram Afif nearly made it 2-1 when the ball fell to him and he raced away with Iran’s defenders giving chase but his shot was well saved while his effort from the rebound went over the bar.
But Afif got his fifth goal of the tournament on the stroke of halftime when he waltzed into the box from the left channel and pulled the trigger to beat Beiranvand with a shot that arrowed past his outstretched hand into the top corner.
However, Iran came out with renewed vigour for the second half and won a penalty for a handball after a VAR check when Saeid Ezatolahi shot straight at Ahmed Fathy, who was trying to protect his face and turn away.
Having scored a late winner from the spot against Japan in the quarter-final, Alireza Jahanbakhsh stepped up once again and fired his spot kick straight down the middle to make it 2-2.
Iran had their chances to score a third through some chaotic moments in the box but it was Qatar who took the lead again when Ali controlled a pass, turned and fired into the bottom corner.
Ali, the top scorer in the 2019 edition, had been under pressure to score having netted only once in the tournament and the goal seemed to lift a burden off the 27-year-old.
With 13 minutes added on for stoppages, Iran was then reduced to 10 men when Khalilzadeh barged into Afif during a counter-attack, with the referee upgrading his yellow card after a VAR check.
Jahanbakhsh nearly equalised right at the death but saw his shot come off the post as Qatar managed to hold on and advance to the final.
“I apologise to the Iranian people, we had a responsibility to make them happy today. I want to thank all my players, they gave everything,” Ghalenoei said.
“If you’re looking for someone responsible for this defeat, it is me – not the federation or players. I think today was one of the worst days I’ve had in my life.”
Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.
The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.
Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.
Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.
He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.
He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.
The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.
Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.
Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.
To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.
The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.
If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.
The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.
But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.
Here’s what’s happening Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.
To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area. There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:
• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am) • Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19
Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).
What should motorists do • Leave earlier than usual • Follow diversion signs • Avoid the area if possible during peak hours
While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.
So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.
