This 1980 AFC Asian Cup qualification phase started in December 1978 while other qualification matches took place in early 1979. A total of 18 teams participated. Eight teams from the top two of each group advance to the final tournament, joining hosts Kuwait and defending champions Iran. Groups * Withdrew qualified as defending champions qualified as hosts Qualification Group 1 All matches played in the United Arab Emirates. Group 2 All matches played in Bangladesh. Group 3 All matches played in Thailand. Allocation matches to determine groups received a bye Group 3A Group 3B Semi-finals Third place play-off Final and qualified for the final tournament Group 4 All matches played in the Philippines. Qualified teams Controversies In the 17 November match between Syria and Bahrain, the referee awarded a penalty to Bahrain. The Syrian head coach entered the pitch, threatening the referee, who stopped the match in the 81st minute. The committee initially awarded the match 3–0 in favour of Bahrain, but Syria threatened to withdraw; the committee adjusted its decision to a replay of the match on 25 November, but then Bahrain withdrew. All matches involving Bahrain were annulled. References Morrison, Neil; Jovanovic, Bojan; Panahi, Majeed; Veroeveren, Pieter. "Asian Nations Cup 1980". RSSSF. "A-Cup: Singapore in Group Three" The Straits Times, 19 September 1978, Page 24 "Champions Iran out of Asian Cup final round" The Straits Times, 25 May 1979, Page 35Al Anwar'', November 1979 AFC AFC Qual Qual AFC Asian Cup qualification 1980 AFC Asian Cup