Iran defeat Qatar 2-1 in soccer friendly

TEHRAN, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- Iran beat Qatar 2-1 in a soccer friendly match in Doha on Monday as part of preparation for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Mehdi Taremi gifted Iran 1-0 lead in the 17th minute and Hassan Al-Haydos equalized the match from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute.

Sardar Azmoun scored the winner one minute after the interval.

Qatar were reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute after Pedro Miguel received his second yellow card.

Iran have started training camp in Doha since Dec. 17.

Iran have been drawn along with Iraq, Yemen and Vietnam in Group D of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

The tournament will be held in the United Arab Emirates from January 5 to February 1.