Qatar retain Asian Cup after being awarded three penalties in final

Hosts see off unfancied Jordan 3-1 at Lusail Stadium thanks to a hat trick of Akram Afif spot-kicks

THREE?: Qatar's Akram Afif celebrates after scoring his third goal during the Asian Cup final soccer match between Qatar and Jordan at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. Pic: AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis

Qatar successfully defended their Asian Cup crown after beating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday at Lusail Stadium where Akram Afif converted three penalties to become the tournament’s top scorer as the hosts won their continental second title.

Jordan were playing in their first Asian Cup final and seeking their first major trophy, but it was Qatar who prevailed in front of 86,492 fans including Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Fifa’s president, Gianni Infantino.