Afif scores hat-trick as Qatar triumph in Asian Cup final

• Qatar beat surprise packages Jordan 3-1 in Asian Cup final played on Saturday at Lusail Stadium
• The result means Qatar are the fifth nation to win back-to-back Asian Cup titles

On Saturday, Qatar beat surprise packages Jordan 3-1 in Asian Cup final played at Lusail Stadium. Akram Afif grabbed a hat-trick of penalties as the hosts become only the fifth nation to win back-to-back Asian Cup titles.

Qatar took the lead in the first half, thanks to Afif who held his nerve to convert from the penalty spot and record his sixth goal of the tournament. Jordan, who stunned South Korea in the semi-final, roared back in the second half to equalize through Yazan Al-Naimat.

However, they were level for just six minutes as Qatar regained their lead from the penalty spot again. Afif then sealed the win for the hosts in injury time to complete his hat-trick.

Just as you would expect, Qatari substitutes raced from the bench to the pitch to join their teammates in celebration after the referee blew his whistle to signal the end of the match. Afif was the hero and the players tossed him in the air several times as part of the celebrations.

Akram Afif was Qatar’s hero as they won the Asian Cup final. Photo/ SuperSport.

The triumph did not only see Qatar win back-to-back Asian Cups but also helped erase the bitter memories of their home World Cup. It was a fitting final act to a month of football that witnessed a series of thrilling group stage matches before the group stage.

How Qatar Won The Asian Cup Final

Qatar and Jordan faced off in the 2023 Asian Cup final on Saturday in front of 86,492 fans, including Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Whereas Jordan had reached the final of the Asian Cup for the first time, Qatar were aiming to defend the crown they won back in 2019.

The hosts started the game on a high note and found themselves in front after 22 minutes of play. Afif, who was fouled in the box by Abdallah Nasib after running on to Lucas Mendes’ pass, found the bottom corner from the resulting penalty to give the home fans a reason to celebrate. Qatar were dominant throughout the first half of the Asian Cup final and fully deserved the lead.

Jordan, who have been impressive throughout the tournament, eventually got into this match after the break and created several opportunities. Yazan Al-Arab nearly equalized with a sensational volley from a corner kick but the ball just hit the keeper. Ali Olwan then came close to scoring with a back-heel but his effort went just wide.

Eventually, their efforts paid off in the 67th minute when Yazan Al-Naimat found the back of the net. The 24-year-old controlled a long pass and then escaped his marker before firing home to record his fourth strike of the tournament.

However, Jordan were on level terms for only six minutes as Afif converted again from the spot to put Qatar back in front. This was after Mahmoud Al-Mardi fouled Ismaeel Mohammad in the box.

With time running out, Jordan fans had their hopes raised when the fourth official indicated 13 minutes of additional time. However, there was no equalizer coming their way as Afif completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after being fouled by the keeper.

Akram Afif scored a hat-trick of penalties. Photo/ Sportstar – The Hindu.

Qatar’s third goal sparked celebrations across Lusail Stadium as the hosts became the first team to defend their Asian Cup crown since Japan in 2004.

Akram Afif, who picked the man of the match award for his hat-trick, was also the most valuable player of the tournament. Speaking after his side’s victory over Jordan in the Asian Cup final, Qatar coach Marquez Lopez said they were so happy for the victory while also recognizing Afif’s efforts throughout the tournament.

“I congratulate the Qatari people and players. We’re so happy after winning this difficult game, the tension was high. Maybe we didn’t play beautiful football today but everyone remembers the winner. I’m so happy for Akram, he deserved to win all the awards.” Coach Marquez Lopez told reporters, as per Reuters.