Asian Cup 2023: Qatar Champion

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Hosts Qatar successfully won the title at the 2023 Asian Cup after defeating Jordan in the final match. Qatar, which is the defending champion of the 2019 edition of the Asian Cup, defeated dark horse Jordan with a score of 3-1 in a match which took place at Lusail Stadium, Qatar on Saturday (10/2/2024). The winning hero of the team nicknamed The Maroons was Akram Afif who scored the hosts' three winning goals.

In the 7th minute, Qatar immediately threatened Jordan's goal through Akram Afif, but his chip shot was saved by goalkeeper, Yazeed Abulaila. Then Yazan Al-Naimat threatened the hosts after firing a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty box in the 16th minute but it was saved by Qatar goalkeeper, Meshaal Barsham. Until the 20th minute, Qatar received a penalty after Abdallah Nasib committed a violation against Akram Afif.

This hard violation made the referee who led the match point to the spot for Qatar. Akram Afif, who was the executor, carried out his duties and successfully beat goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila. Winning 1-0 did not make Qatar relax its attacks. In the 32nd minute, Lucas Mendes almost scored after welcoming Akram Afif's corner kick. Until the first half ended, Qatar still led 1-0.

In the second half, Jordan again put pressure on Qatar. The visitors had several opportunities but were unable to score an equalizer. Until the 67th minute, Yazan Al-Naimat scored a goal to equalize the score 1-1. However, the score did not last long, Qatar was awarded another penalty in the 71st minute after Mahmoud Al-Mardi fouled Ismaeel Mohammad in the forbidden box.

Akram Afif was again the executor and his shot was read but could not be blocked by the Jordanian goalkeeper, Yazeed Abulaila. In injury time, exactly the 90+5th minute, Akram Afif scored a hat-trick from the penalty spot for the third time. The violation committed by goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila against Akram Afif made the referee again point to the penalty spot for the hosts. Afif stepped forward again as executor and succeeded in carrying out his duties perfectly to bring Qatar to victory with a final score of 3-1.

Congratulations Qatar

Regards,
@fadlymatch