Mohebi helps Iran to pass Japan and clinch Asian Cup semis

On 3 January, four RPL players participated in quarterfinals at both Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.

2023 AFC Asian Cup
Quarterfinals

Iran 2-1 Japan

Rostov midfielder Mohammad Mohebi entered as starting 11 player first time at the tournament and scored an equalizer on 56th minute, being assisted by Sardar Azmoun. Mohebi left the pitch in the added time, after Alireza Jahanbakhsh scored penalty, which sent Iran to the semifinals at second Asian Cup in a row. On 7 February, Iran will play against Qatar.

Qatar 1-1 (3-2 pen) Uzbekistan

Two RPL players were included into Uzbekistan starting line-up; CSKA midfielder Abbos Fayzullaev spent 114 minutes on the pitch, Rubin defender Rustam Ashurmatov played fully regular and extra time, got yellow card, and did not score penalty in the shootout. Totally Ashurmatov appeared in four matches for Uzbekistan, while Fayzullaev played all five fixtures and scored twice, he is the main scorer alongside Azizbek Turgunboev. Uzbekistan left Asian Cup at quarterfinals fourth time, only in 2011 the team reached semifinals.

2023 Africa Cup of Nations
Quarterfinals

Cape Verde 0-0 (1-2 pen) South Africa

Krasnodar midfielder Kevin Lenini was substituted after 65 minutes of play, and Cape Verde was beaten by South Africa on penalties, as Blue Sharks scored only one attempt of five, and four shots were saved by Ronwen Williams. Lenini played in all five matches of Cape Verde, he finished the tournament with one goal and two yellow cards.

Only Theo Bongonda from Spartak Moscow stays at Africa Cup with DR Congo, who will play against hosts team Cote-d’Ivoire in the semifinals.