Lusail Stadium, Qatar – The eyes of the world once again focused on the majestic Lusail Stadium as hosts Qatar defended their Asian Cup crown against first-time finalists Jordan in a historic final.
Akram Afif, the country's popular soccer player and outstanding performer in the tournament, scored three penalties to give Qatar a 3-0 lead in the all-Arab AFC Asian Cup 2023 final on Saturday. He became a hero who brought about 1 victory.
The hosts were among the favorites to win the tournament when they opened the tournament with a 3-0 win over Lebanon at the same venue last month, but they were not outright favorites.
But they left Lusail on a winning streak, their first since Japan won back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2004, and established their star Afif as the continent's best player.
Though heartbroken after losing to the finalists, Jordan held his head high as he advanced to his first final in the tournament with an impressive run.
✨ 𝐂 𝐇 𝐀 𝐌 𝐏 𝐈 𝐎 𝐍 𝐒 ✨
🇶🇦 Qatar is the king of Asia. once again.#Asia Cup Final | #Asian Cup 2023 | #HayaAsia pic.twitter.com/DI4uRHWi2z
— #Asian Cup 2023 (@afcasiancup) February 10, 2024
Nerves wreak havoc on Jordan
Ann Nashama started the match nervously, feeling the weight of the expectations of the enthusiastic fans. They were unable to complete their moves and were unable to pass the ball to the attacking line of Moussa Tamari and Yazan Al Naimat.
Qatar were awarded a penalty midway through the first half, giving the ball to Afif, who was given the ball by captain Hassan Al-Haydos. The number 11 definitely celebrated by rolling down his sock and pulling out a card with the letter S on it.
His unique goal celebration sparked debate on social media, but Afif later admitted that it was a name that started with a letter and was a tribute to his wife, who he credits for his success.
“It was the first time she saw me inside the stadium, so I decided to dedicate it to her,” he told reporters afterward, perplexed.
Jordan re-emerged after halftime with a much improved team. Pushed by the noisy supporters, the players began to show glimpses of their attacking power. As a result, Al Naimat scored the equaliser, and the game looked to be tense in the final 30 minutes.
As soon as the ball was back in Jordan's half, Jordan defended awkwardly and committed another penalty kick. Afif was obliged to score the goal that put the competition's Golden Boot award in doubt.
The rapid change in fortunes and scoreline seemed hard for Jordan's players and fans to accept. Their loud chants were replaced by stunned silence as Qatari fans celebrated in disbelief.
Jordanian coach Hussein Ammuta then ended up awarding a second penalty at a moment when his team fell far behind the hosts.
“The timing of the penalty kick was extremely important, but the penalty did not allow us to turn the game around,'' he said at the post-match press conference.
Ammuta, who came away with a win over the Jordanian in a matter of weeks, said pressure from the players' friends, family and fans on social media may have affected their performance.
“We can't take away their phones or tablets and tell them they can't talk to people, but there was a concern that these factors might affect their mental state during the match. .”
“Cristiano of the Middle East”
Qatar's victory and Jordan's fate were sealed in the fifth minute of stoppage time, when Afif completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after being given the ball back by his teammate.
The 27-year-old put in some outstanding performances and it was only a matter of time before he moved to a European league.
However, the Al Sadd striker, who is currently on loan at the Spanish club, dodged the question, saying any potential move would require the club's approval from his beloved wife.
“Right now, all I know is we're back to back.” [Asian] He’s a champion,” Afif said with a shrug.
Afif won new fans from across the Arab world for his performance which earned him Player of the Match award.
“he [Afif] Too good – in my words he is Cristiano [Ronaldo] They represent the Middle East,” Mohamed Rabea, who came from Kuwait to watch the final, told Al Jazeera after the match.
Players like eight-year-old Mohamed Al Kaabi were overjoyed to see him score a hat-trick.
“This is the happiest day of my life!” a young fan shouted outside the stadium.
Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani was also present during the match, giving Al Anabi a warm hug and a winner's medal.
When it came time to hand over the trophy to winning captain Al Haydos, there was a slight delay. What presentation of Lusail's Trophy would be complete without the black and gold Bisht? The sheikh helped the captain don the now world-famous cloak and the sparkling one that never left Qatar after that I handed the trophy to the captain.
Al Haydos, Afif and Qatari hero Mishal Barsham in goal collected the tournament's top prize, ensuring the trophy would not leave the country for at least four more years.
Lusail Stadium was once again lit up with a ring of fireworks, and the adjacent boulevard once again hosted the Parade of Champions a year later.
The party started in Lusail and proceeded to different parts of the country with beeping cars and waving flags.
