Alireza Jahanbakhsh's last-minute penalty gave Iran a 2-1 win over favourite Japan, and a semi-final against Asian Cup holder and host Qatar is its reward.

Jahanbakhsh kept his cool in the 96th minute to keep three-time Asian Cup winner Iran on course for a first title since 1976.

Iran came from behind after Hidemasa Morita put Japan ahead in the first half of an entertaining quarter-final at Education City Stadium.

But Mohammad Mohebi levelled the score in the 55th minute to pave the way for Jahanbakhsh's late heroics.

Iran's win was made even more impressive considering it was without star striker Mehdi Taremi, who was suspended.

Qatar, meanwhile, is in with a chance of retaining the title after it defeated Uzbekistan on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Al Bayt Stadium.

Utkir Yusupov's own goal put Qatar ahead midway through the first half, but Uzbekistan rallied after the break – Odiljon Hamrobekov's effort enough to send the tie to extra-time and eventually penalties.

Almoez Ali and Almahdi Ali both failed to convert for Qatar in the shootout, but Jaloliddin Masharipov's miss set the stage for Pedro Miguel to be Qatar's hero.

Iran will take on Qatar while Australia's conqueror Korea Republic will go up against Jordan for a place in the final.