Iran to play South Korea at Qatar tourney opener Jan 22

IRNA - The under-23 football squads of Iran and South Korea will play in the opener of Qatar's Friendship Cup on January 22.

The Qatari capital Doha will hold the tournament from January 21-30.

Eight teams were drawn into two four-strong groups, Group A comprises host Qatar, Japan, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Group B consists of South Korea, Egypt, Iran, and Belarus.

According to the schedule, Iran will array against Belarus and Egypt on January 24 and 26 respectively.

Top two teams from each group advance to semifinals and top three sides will win 100, 70, and 50 thousand dollar purses.

All participating teams are prepping for the preliminary round of 2008 Olympic Games in the Chinese capital Beijing.