Qatar defeated Jordan in the final of the AFC Asian Cup. Playing at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday, 10 February, Qatar trounced Jordan by 3-1 margin. At the heart of Qatar’s win wa s left winger Akram Afif who converted three penalties across two halves to help Qatar defend their title.
This was Qatar’s second title win in a row after they had defeated Japan back in 2019 by the same margin. Afif put up an incredible celebration after converting his first penalty in the 22nd minute of the game. The winger ran to the edge of the field, pointed a photograph of him at the camera and then pulled off an incredible magic trick.
Qatar were bright throughout the game and troubled Jordan with their pace in the final half of the pitch. Afif put pressure on the Jordan side with his runs in the centre and left side of the field. The team received two penalties in the second half of the match, after the first one was converted in the opening half of the match and Afif converted those as well.
AFC Asian Cup Final: Qatar defeat Jordan
Jordan players looked frustrated by the soft decisions given by the referee and were irritated at the end of the game. Qatar players however celebrated the win in style and lifted up Afif after the final whistle was blown.
Jordan took 16 shots on the day, but majority of them either went wide or were too soft to trouble the goalkeeper. Qatar on the other hand, were much more clinical in the final half and were rewarded with goals, albeit from penalties.
