Almoez Ali's late strike helped Qatar reach the final of the Asian Cup and continue their title defence with victory over Iran.

 

Akram Afif's (left) first-half strike put him one goal behind Golden Boot leader Aymen Hussein, who scored six goals for Iraq

Hosts Qatar led after goals from Jassem Gaber and Akram Afif cancelled out Sardar Azmoun's superb overhead opener.

A controversial penalty decision helped level the scores, but Ali's 82nd-minute strike and Shoja Khalilzadeh's late red card were fatal to Iran's final hopes.

Qatar will play underdogs Jordan in Saturday's final at Lusail Stadium.

Jordan stunned two-time winners South Korea on Tuesday to reach their first Asian Cup final.

Qatar are bidding to become the first team since Japan in 2000 and 2004 to win back-to-back Asian Cup titles.

Iran's semi-final got off to the perfect start when Azmoun leapt acrobatically to fire home a sensational overhead kick after Qatar failed to clear a long throw into their box.