DOHA, Jan 19 (Reuters) – Iran booked their place within the Asian Cup final 16 once they beat Hong Kong 1-0 in a Group C recreation on Friday on the Khalifa International Stadium the place Mehdi Ghayedi scored the winner.
The consequence moved Iran to 6 factors on the high of the group the place they are going to be assured a top-two end. They sit two factors above the United Arab Emirates whereas Palestine are third with one level.
Soccer Football – AFC Asian Cup – Group C – Hong Kong v Iran – Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan, Qatar – January 19, 2024 Iran gamers pose for a crew group picture earlier than the match.
REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani
Iran broke the impasse within the twenty fourth minute when Milad Mohammadi launched Ghayedi into the field the place the 25-year-old took his shot from a good angle and beat the keeper as he guided the ball into the far backside nook.
Iran dominated possession and had a number of alternatives to increase their lead however did not convert their probabilities as Hong Kong pissed off their extra illustrious opponents, a lot to the frustration of Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei.
Hong Kong, who made their return to the Asian Cup after 56 years and are 129 spots under Iran within the rankings, stay winless and are backside with no factors after dropping to UAE of their group opener.
Iran play UAE on Tuesday of their closing group recreation which can successfully determine who tops the desk and will get a extra beneficial draw within the knockout stage.