Iran shine, Jordan shock Qatar in friendlies ahead of AFC Asian Cup

Jordan defeated AFC Asian Cup hosts Qatar 2-1!

Islamic Republic of Iran produced a solid performance to defeat Burkina Faso 2-1 on Friday, their final friendly on home soil ahead of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

Mohamed Konate gave Burkina Faso the lead after 12 minutes but Porto forward Mehdi Taremi equalised for Team Melli before the half-time break.

Omid Ehbrahimi got the winner for Iran in the 70th minute as the three-time AFC Asian Cup winners showed they will be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming tournament.

Jordan secured a 2-1 win over hosts Qatar in their friendly match, coming from behind after they found themselves trailing to Akram Afif’s 16th minute goal. 

Yazan Alnaimat sparked the comeback in the second half with the equaliser before Ali Olwan scored the second on the hour mark.

Syria and Kyrgyz Republic played out a 1-1 draw, Ibrahim Hesar’s 71st minute strike cancelling out Ayzar Akmatov’s 48th minute opener for Kyrgyz Republic.

The Central Asian side will be the next team to check in to Doha as they are scheduled to arrive on Saturday.

Three friendly matches will be played on Saturday with Iraq taking on Korea Republic, Bahrain facing Australia and United Arab Emirates going up against Oman.

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