Qatar retain Asian Cup thanks to Afif's penalty hat-trick
LUSAIL, Qatar: Qatar successfully defended their Asian Cup crown after beating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday (Feb 10) at Lusail Stadium where Akram Afif converted three penalties as the hosts won their second continental title. Jordan was playing in their first Asian Cup final and seeking their first major trophy, but it was Qatar who prevailed in front of 86,492 fans including Qatar's ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Yazan Al-Naimat had briefly given Jordan hope when he netted an equaliser in the second half but their dreams were shattered when they conceded two more penalties, put away by Afif who finished as the tournament's top scorer with eight goals. Afif, who was thrown into the air repeatedly by his teammates after the final whistle, also picked up the award for player of the match and most valuable player of the tournament.
