Mohebi leaves Asian Cup, Bongonda to battle for third place at Africa Cup

On 7 February, two RPL players appeared in Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations semifinals.

2023 AFC Asian Cup

Semifinals
Iran 2-3 Qatar

Rostov midfielder Mohammad Mohebi after scoring against Japan in the quarterfinals started the semifinal fixture on the bench but entered the pitch after half-time. Iran captured lead through bicycle kick from Sardar Azmoun, then Qatar scored twice before the break. Alireza Jahanbakhsh equalized from penalty at the beginning of second half, but Cup hosts pulled ticket to the final through Almoez Ali winning goal.

As bronze medal match is not scheduled at the tournament, Iran left the competition, and their streak without Asian Cup title stood, the last trophy was won in 1976. Mohebbi finished the Cup with one goal in six matches.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations

Semifinals
Cote-d’Ivoire 1-0 DR Congo

Spartak midfielder Theo Bongonda did not make the starting line-up, and he came as substitute after half-time. DR Congo lost to Cup hosts through Sebastien Haller goal in the middle of second half. DR Congo will fight for bronze medals, they were third two times, in 1998 and 2015. On 10 February, the Leopards will face Republic of South Africa, who were beaten by Nigeria.

Whom to follow on 8 February

Two Brazil players, Khellven from CSKA and Lucas Fasson from Lokomotiv, will continue battles at CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament with U-23 team for spots at Olympic Games. Brazil will play against Venezuela again; they were beaten by tournament hosts 1-3 in the preliminary round.