In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, Qatar emerged victorious over Jordan with a 3-1 scoreline, securing their second consecutive Asian Cup title.
Akram Afif stole the spotlight by netting three penalties during the match. Despite an impressive equalizer from Yazan Al-Naimat of Jordan, the home team clinched the victory with two crucial penalty kicks.
Afif concluded the tournament as the leading goal scorer with eight goals to his name, contributing to eleven goals, including his three assists. Qatar now joins the ranks of Saudi Arabia, Iran, South Korea, and Japan as the fifth team to claim back-to-back titles, solidifying their position as a significant force in Asian football.
It wasn't a massive final, and Jordan's Cinderella story deserved a happier ending. Nonetheless, it was an incredibly captivating month of Asian football, marked by improved performances and numerous compelling narratives.
From Tajikistan's debut appearance reaching the quarter-finals to Iraq's tremendous tournament and round of 16 against Jordan, Palestine making history, South Korea's Son Heung-min and coach Klinsmann's team, to the departure of Mancini's Saudi Arabia before the penalties, Jordan itself—each team contributed to the spectacle, the Jordanian Nashamah and Qatar itself, who stood tall among them.
For nearly two decades now, Qatar has invested heavily in football. Despite their recent World Cup disappointment and the controversies surrounding their hosting, their regional dominance cannot be ignored. On and off the field, even amidst challenging circumstances in recent months, Qatar continues to assert itself.
Has football helped Qatar become a more influential power in the region? The answer is undoubtedly yes. The gesture of presenting the Bishṭ (the traditional Gulf robe) that angered millions when Lionel Messi hoisted the World Cup now serves as Qatar's way of saying, "This is how we do things, whether it's Messi or Hassan al-Haydos, the World Cup or the Asian Cup." It's a demonstration of power in itself.
It was a captivating tournament that concluded with the hosts winning thanks to three penalties in one game, but such is life in the Middle East at this time around.
