Back-to-Back Titles for Qatar in AFC Asian Cup
Qatar's national team clinched the AFC Asian Cup after defeating Jordan (1-3), the tournament's revelation.
This marks the second crown for the nation that hosted the previous World Cup, where Argentina was crowned champions. Precisely at the Lusail Stadium, which served as the venue for the grand final once again, Akram Afif emerged as the hero with a penalty hat-trick.
Afif scored at 22', 73', and 90'+5 from the penalty spot, reaching eight goals in seven matches, becoming the top scorer of the competition.
Thus, the Qatar team made history by achieving a back-to-back title, joining other legendary teams such as Japan (2000 and 2004), South Korea (56 and 60), Iran (68, 72, and 76), and Saudi Arabia (84 and 88).
For "Tintín" Márquez, it was also a milestone, as he had only been in charge of the team for a month and a half, with very high expectations, and finally, he met the objective.