DOHA — Qatar successfully defended its Asian Cup crown, securing a 3-1 win against Jordan in the final held at Lusail Stadium in Doha on Saturday.
According to Philippines News Agency, Qatar's forward, Akram Afif, played a pivotal role in the victory, opening the scoring with a penalty kick. Jordan's Yazan Al-Naimat leveled the score in the second half, momentarily raising hopes for the Jordanian team and their supporters. However, their aspirations were dashed as Qatar was awarded two additional penalties, both of which were converted by Afif, sealing the win for Qatar. This marked Jordan's debut in the Asian Cup final, but the day belonged to Qatar, which triumphed before a large home crowd.
The match was attended by notable figures, including Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Beyond securing the championship, the Qatar national football team dominated the awards ceremony, claiming all individual and team honors. Afif's exceptional performance throughout the AFC Asian Cup 2023 earned him the Golden Boot for his total of eight goals, as well as the awards for the player of the match and most valuable player of the tournament, celebrated by his teammates lifting him into the air in jubilation after the final whistle.