AFC Asian Cup Football: Qatar became champion for the second time by defeating Jordan 3-1

Host Qatar performed brilliantly in the final played here on Saturday night, defeating Jordan 3-1 and maintaining its dominance in the AFC Asian Cup football tournament. Qatar won the title for the second time overall and became the first team to defend the title after 20 years. Earlier, Japan's team had become champion twice in a row in 2000 and 2004. On the other hand, Jordan's dream of becoming champion for the first time, which defeated a giant team like South Korea in the semi-finals, was shattered.

Qatar has emerged as the fourth team to win this competition twice in a row. Qatar defeated Japan in 2019 to win the title for the first time. Teams from South Korea (1956, 1960), Japan (2000, 2004), Saudi Arabia (1984, 1988), Iran (1968, 1972, 1976), and South Korea (1956, 1960) have accomplished this feat in addition to Qatar. The only team to win three titles in a row is Iran.

The 27-year-old winger Akram Afif, who defeated the Jordanian squad on his own, was the MVP of Qatar's victory. Akram scored a hat-trick and all three of Qatar's goals. In the 22nd minute, he opened the team's account with a goal. Following this, goals in the 73rd and 90th minutes of the second half by Akram sealed the team's victory. The only goal for Jordan was scored by Al Naimat in the 67th minute.