Asian Cup: Jordan fight back to beat Iraq, Qatar overcome Palestine

Jordan fought back to beat 10-man Iraq 3-2 and clinch their place in the Asian Cup quarter-finals on Monday.

Iraq s Aymen Hussein turned from hero to zero as, moments after putting Iraq ahead, he was sent off, having received a second yellow card for excessive celebrations at Khalifa International Stadium.

Down to 10 men, Iraq could not withstand Jordan s fightback and conceded twice in stoppage time to end their hopes of winning the competition for a second time.

Hussein struck in the 76th minute to spark wild celebrations, including him sitting cross-legged on the field and mimicking eating.

Iraq s joy soon turned to frustration, though, when referee Alireza Faghani booked Hussein for a second time.

It got worse for the 2007 champions when Yazan Al Arab levelled in the fifth minute of added time, with Nizar Al Rashdan going on to drill in a winner two minutes later.

Jordan advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and took the lead in the first minute of first-half stoppage time through Yazan Al Naimat.

Suad Natiq equalized for Iraq prior to Hussein s fifth goal of the tournament sparking the chaotic finale.

Jordan will play tournament debutants Tajikistan in the last eight.

JORDAN and QATAR join Australia and Tajikistan in the Round of 8

— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en)

In the day s other match, Akram Afif delivered again for Qatar as the hosts and defending champions overcame Palestine 2-1.

Afif has established himself as one of the stars of the tournament, and if he can keep up this form he may yet achieve his ambition of joining a European club.

The forward struck from the penalty spot in the 49th — his fourth goal of the Asian Cup — as Qatar came from behind at Al Bayt Stadium, with Hassan Al Haydos having cancelled out Oday Dabbagh s clinical finish.

Qatar will play either Uzbekistan or Thailand for a place in the last four.

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