Alireza Jahanbakhsh s last-minute penalty gave Iran a 2-1 win over Japan, and a semi-final against Asian Cup holders and hosts Qatar will be their reward.
Jahanbakhsh kept his cool in the 96th minute to keep three-time Asian Cup winners Iran on course for a first title since 1976.
Iran came from behind after Hidemasa Morita put pre-tournament favourites Japan ahead in the first half of an entertaining quarter-final at Education City Stadium.
But Mohammad Mohebi levelled the score in the 55th minute to pave the way for Jahanbakhsh s late heroics.
Iran s win was made even more impressive considering they were without star striker Mehdi Taremi, who was suspended.
Will we see a new champion? Or an old one will lift the trophy?
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— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en)
Qatar, meanwhile, are in with a chance of retaining the title after they defeated Uzbekistan on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Al Bayt Stadium.
Utkir Yusupov s own goal put Qatar ahead midway through the first half, but Uzbekistan rallied after the break – Odiljon Hamrobekov s effort enough to send the tie to extra time and eventually penalties.
Almoez Ali and Almahdi Ali both failed to convert for Qatar in the shoot-out, but Jaloliddin Masharipov s miss set the stage for Pedro Miguel to be Qatar s hero.
Iran will take on Qatar on Wednesday, a day after South Korea go up against Jordan.
