Qatar retain its title in AFC Asian Cup

Qatar won their second consecutive AFC Asian Cup title after defeating Jordan 3-1

Qatar's ruler, H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, bestowed the title of AFC Asian Cup champions upon the host nation after their 3-1 triumph over Jordan in the all-Arab final, securing a consecutive title defense.

The Lusail Stadium witnessed jubilant celebrations as Al Annabi became the fifth team in history to achieve back-to-back victories in this premier tournament.

Akram Afif emerged as Qatar's standout performer, netting a hat-trick of penalty goals to seal the win against a spirited Jordanian side making their inaugural appearance in a major final.

Afif's penalties came in the 22nd, 73rd, and 90+5 minutes, with Jordan's Yazan Al Naimat scoring an equalizer in the 67th minute.

Dignitaries including H H Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani, H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, and H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani attended the final, witnessing Qatar's seventh consecutive victory in the tournament.

The accolades were awarded by H H the Amir, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the Crown Prince of Jordan H R H Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, and AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, hosted at world-class stadiums, concluded with Qatar's historic win, setting records for attendance and digital engagement.

The tournament's success was praised by AFC President Shaikh Salman, who acknowledged Qatar's exceptional hosting and labeled it the greatest Asian football masterpiece in history.

The tournament not only met but exceeded expectations, showcasing Qatar as an elite sporting destination. The event witnessed notable achievements from teams like Palestine, Syria, Indonesia, Tajikistan, and surprise finalists Jordan, making it a truly remarkable edition.

Source: The Peninsula