LUSAIL (Qatar): Hotshot Akram Afif scored a hat-trick of penalties to inspire Qatar to a 3-1 win over Jordan in controversial fashion in the 2023 Asia...
Qatar’s players celebrate with the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup trophy during the podium ceremony after the final football match between Jordan and Qatar at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, north of Doha on February 10, 2024/AFPpixHotshot Akram Afif scored a hat-trick of penalties to inspire Qatar to a 3-1 win over Jordan in controversial fashion in the 2023 Asian Cup final at the Lusail Stadium here yesterday.
Yazan Al Naimat had made it 1-1 in the 66th minute with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box after receiving a cross from Ehsan Haddad. Hosts Qatar, also known as The Maroons, finally got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 22nd minute when referee Ma Ning of China pointed to the spot after Afif was fouled by Abdallah Nasib in the box.
Towards the end of the first-half, Afif gave Qatar's supporters a fright when he had to be stretchered out for treatment before returning to the pitch to a rapturous reception. However, the 26-year-old Barsham was finally beaten when Haddad floated in across from the right for Al-Naimat to slam home a left-footer in the 67th minute.