Akram Afif’s Hat-Trick Secures Asian Cup Title for Hosts Qatar

Qatar successfully defended their Asian Cup title with a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Saturday, thanks to a remarkable hat-trick of penalties by Akram Afif, making him the star of the match.

This victory marked the climax of a thrilling football month that started with 24 teams and featured numerous memorable matches. It also served as redemption for Qatar following their disappointing performance in the World Cup, where they failed to win any matches.

The final, held at Lusail Stadium before a crowd of 86,492, saw Jordan making their first appearance in an Asian Cup final, facing off against a team ranked significantly higher than them in the FIFA world rankings. Afif opened the scoring with a penalty in the first half, his sixth goal of the tournament, giving Qatar a deserved lead. Jordan managed to equalize through Yazan Al-Naimat, but their joy was short-lived. Afif converted another penalty after a VAR review, and then completed his hat-trick with a third penalty in injury time, following another VAR decision.

The match ended with Qatar’s substitutes celebrating by lifting Afif in triumph.

Qatar, aiming to become the fifth team to win consecutive Asian titles, had made a bold coaching change just a month before the Asian Cup, bringing in Spaniard Tintin Marquez to replace Carlos Queiroz. The gamble paid off, with Qatar dominating the final and creating early chances, mainly through Afif.

Jordan, despite their spirited performance to reach the final, including a notable victory over South Korea, struggled to maintain momentum in the first half. However, they increased their pressure in the second half, leading to Al-Naimat’s equalizing goal. But Qatar, and Afif in particular, quickly regained control, with Afif performing his unique card trick celebration after each of his successful penalties.

This win not only solidified Qatar’s status as Asian Cup champions but also showcased Afif’s pivotal role in their triumph, ending the tournament with eight goals to his name.