TEHRAN – Iran held off a fightback from the United Arab Emirates to top Group I of the AFC U23 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 Qualifiers Group I with a 3-2 win on Tuesday.

Iran will make a return to the Finals after having missed out on the 2024 edition, with UAE also going through as one of the four best runner-ups.

An exciting first half saw Iran breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute when Ahmad Yadoo's clearance from Mohammadhossein Sadeghi's cross hit Amirmohammad Razaghinia, with the ball landing in the back of the net.

Oozing confidence, Iran doubled their advantage in the 36th minute thanks to Saeid Saharkhizan’s glancing header from a perfect Javad Hosseinnezhad free-kick delivery, the-afc.com reported.

It became 3-0 six minutes later after UAE's Matar Alshamsi brought down Yadegar Rostami in the box, with Saharkhizan making no mistake from 12 yards.

UAE gave themselves a lifeline four minutes into first half added time as Mayed Alkas pounced on a rebound to set up an enticing second half.

The second half was a more cagey affair - until the 72nd minute at least - when UAE found their second goal, Jumah Almansoori winning possession off Pouria Latififar in Iran's box before lifting the ball past the advancing Mohammad Khalifeh.

That led to the UAE laying siege on the Iran goalmouth but the equalizer was not to materialise as the Central Asians topped the group.