Hong Kong, China vs Iran Prediction & Betting Tips - Asian Cup

Prediction published on 17/01/2024, 12:30  by Kennedy Kechula | Modified on 19/01/2024 at 04:30 in Football Predictions

Iran will seek to confirm qualification to the knockout rounds of the AFC Asia Cup when they take on Hong Kong on Friday. The two nations are competing in Group C where after one round Iran are top and Hong Kong third. Hong Kong are back on the continental stage after a 56-year hiatus. They last took part in the Asia Cup in 1968 where they were again faced off with Iran. Hong Kong’s return to the tournament didn’t go as planned as they were thumped 3-1 by the UAE on matchday one. A second defeat will see them eliminated with a game to spare. The Dragons, who have managed just one win in seven outings, have now lost their last three games.

Iran began the tournament with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Palestine. The win continued their impeccable record of winning their opening match at the Asia Cup. It is now at seven tournaments and counting. Amir Ghalenoei’s men haven’t lost a match for more than a year and are now on a 14-game unbeaten run. They have won 12 times in this stretch and almost every win has been a thrashing. Iran have scored at least three goals a game, eight times in this unbeaten streak. Team Melli are three-time Asian champions and in the last five editions have managed to qualify from their group. Iran have won the last four meetings with Hong Kong and a fifth win will see them qualify for the knockout rounds with a game to spare.