The UAE loses to Iran and qualifies as runner-up in the third group

The UAE national team lost to the Iranian national team 1-2 on Tuesday at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, in the third and final round of the third group competitions in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023.

With this result, Iran topped the group standings with 9 full points from three matches, compared to 4 points each for Palestine and the UAE which took second place, while Hong Kong’s balance remained devoid of points.

Iran and the UAE obtained direct qualification tickets from the group, while Palestine qualified as one of the four best third-placed teams.

On Sunday, January 14, the first round of group competitions witnessed Iran defeating Palestine 4-1 at Education City Stadium, and the UAE defeating Hong Kong 3-1 at Khalifa International Stadium.

On the other hand, the second round witnessed Palestine’s draw with the UAE, 1-1, on Thursday, January 18, at Al Janoub Stadium, and Iran’s victory over Hong Kong, 1-0, on Friday, January 19, at Khalifa International Stadium.

The top two teams in each group qualify for the round of 16, along with the four best third-placed teams.