TEHRAN – Iran national football team winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh says that they were unlucky in the match against Qatar in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup’s semifinals.

Team Melli lost to eventual champions Qatar 3-2 last week.

In the 13th minute of added time Jahanbakhsh hit the post – a centimeter to the left and the ball would have cannoned into the net.

“We already knew that how the match against Qatar was difficult and did out best but failed to qualify for the final,” Jahanbakhsh said.

“We had participated in the Asian Cup, aiming to win the title after 48 years but I think we were unlucky. We were focused on winning the tournament from the first.

“Qatar had one real opportunity but scored three times but we created so many opportunities but failed to capitalize on our chances,” the Feyenoord attacking midfielder said.

Sardar Azmoun found the back of the net with a spectacular overhead kick just three minutes into the match and Jahanbakhsh believes that the early goal caused that the Iranian players think they can earn an easy win.

“We were up by Sardar Azmoun’s goal very soon and I think we were surprised afterward and conceded two goals. I think we deserved more but lost the match unfortunately,” Jahanbakhsh concluded.