Both sides will need to pick up their game if 2020 champions Korea Republic are to overcome debutants Lebanon on Saturday while IR Iran will have their hands full against 2018 winners Uzbekistan.
The teams started strongly but play soon turned scrappy, with Korea Republic thinking they had opened the scoring in the 19th minute but midfielder Bae Hyun-seo was ruled to have scored from an offside position. .....
𝗙𝗧 | 🇰🇷 Korea Republic 0️⃣-0️⃣ IR Iran 🇮🇷
— #AFCU23 (@afcasiancup) January 7, 2026
A disciplined defensive display from both sides 🛡️
The opening Group C tie ends all square!#AFCU23 | #KORvIRN pic.twitter.com/IQeqssxTry
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