IR Iran, Vietnam, Kyrgyz Republic score wins

Abu Dhabi:  On a busy night for AFC Asian Cup aspirants, Islamic Republic of Iran, Vietnam and Kyrgyz Republic scored morale boosting wins in international friendlies while Saudi Arabia and Korea Republic settled for a goalless draw on Monday.

Iran, seeking a third AFC Asian Cup title, defeated in-form Qatar 2-1, Vietnam overcame the Philippines 4-2 while Kyrgyz Republic beat Palestine 2-1.

Carlos Queiroz's side took the lead in the 17th minute through Mehdi Taremi but Qatar were level two minutes before the break with Hassan Al Haidos converting from the penalty spot at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

It took Iran just a minute into the restart to lead again, with Sardar Azmoun finding the back of the net as the Central Asians sent out a warning that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the AFC Asian Cup.

Vietnam, too, look set to continue their recent fine form as the 2018 AFF Cup champions defeated regional rivals Philippines 4-2 at the Al Duhail SC Stadium in Doha.

It was a morale boosting win for Kyrgyz Republic, preparing to make their AFC Asian Cup Finals debut, as they defeated Palestine 2-1 at the Al Sailiya Stadium in Doha.

Korea Republic and Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, played to a 0-0 draw in Abu Dhabi.

Korea Republic were led by Hwang Ui-jo, Hwang In-beom and Lee Chung-yong but a goal eluded them while the Green Falcons weren't able to find the back of the net as well.

The AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 kicks off on Saturday with the United Arab Emirates playing Bahrain in a Group A tie.

Photos: Korea Football Association, AFC


Source: the-afc.com