By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp
Qatar on Saturday won the 2023 AFC Asian Cup after beating Jordan 3-1 in the final.
Jordan defender Abdallah Nasib's challenge from behind on Qatari forward Akram Afif resulted in a penalty kick and Afif netted his sixth goal in seven games from the spot kick in the 22th minute at Lusail Stadium.
Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham made several vital saves in the opening minutes of the second half to thwart Jordan's efforts to equalize.
But despite his efforts, Jordanian attacker Yazan Al-Naimat's left-footed hard shot from the penalty area ended in Qatar's net in the 67th minute.
Just six minutes later, Afif scored another one for Qatar from another penalty kick and brought the lead to Qatar once more.
In the stoppage time, 95th minute, Qatar won another penalty kick by a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) decision and Afif completed his hat-trick in the final.
Akram Afif became the top scorer of the tournament with eight goals.
Qatar bagged back-to-back championships at the competition in their second final, while Jordan lost their maiden final.