Defeating Jordan with a penalty hat-trick, Qatar won the 2023 Asian Cup

Jordan 1-3 Qatar

Akram Afif is Qatar's most prominent star at the 2023 Asian Cup. In the final match against Jordan on the evening of February 10, the striker who used to play for Villarreal continued to make his mark, helping the home team successfully defend their championship.

Akram Afif's attempt to break into the penalty area in the 20th minute drew a foul from the Jordanian defender. It was the Qatar striker wearing the number 11 shirt who successfully converted the penalty kick to open the scoring.

The loss forced the Jordanian team to play offensively. Coach Hussein Ammouta's players immediately pushed up their formation and tried to pressure their opponents.

According to data from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), Jordan outperformed their opponents in attack and possession. They had more possession, passed the ball more often and had more shots than Qatar.

After a few missed chances, Jordan equalized in the 67th minute. Yazan Al Naimat controlled the ball neatly and unleashed a powerful shot that the Qatar goalkeeper could not block. This was Al Naimat's fourth goal at the 2023 Asian Cup.

Qatar scored three goals from penalties in the 2023 Asian Cup final. (Photo: Getty Images)

However, the excitement of the Jordan players was quickly extinguished by the second penalty. Ismaeel Mohammad was fouled in the box and Afif put Qatar ahead again.

Jordan tried their best to attack in the final minutes of the match but could not score. Not only that, they also conceded another goal. Afif once again earned himself a penalty and successfully converted the 11-meter kick to seal a 3-1 victory for the home team.

Qatar successfully defended their Asian Cup title. Their most prominent star, Akram Afif, won the title of top scorer and best player of the tournament.