Qatar crowned AFC Asian Cup champions

Match details

Jordan 1 - 3 Qatar
Date: February 10th, 2024
Stadium: Lusail Stadium, Lusail, Qatar
Starting XI:

And the winner is Qatar!

Qatar and Jordan faced each other in the final of the tournament organized for the 18th time by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). In the match played at Lusail Stadium, Qatar took the lead with Akram Afif's penalty in the 22nd minute. Playing in the final for the first time in the tournament, Jordan drew level with Yazı Al-Naimat's goal in the 67th minute. Despite Jordan's efforts, Qatar clinched victory with Afif converting penalties in the 73rd and 95th minute, securing a 3-1 win and the championship title. Notably, 86,492 fans attended the game at Lusail Stadium on Feb. 10.

Jordan dominated in shots with 16 attempts compared to Qatar's eight, but Qatar proved more clinical with seven shots on target to Jordan's six. Despite Jordan's higher possession at 58%, Qatar's efficiency in front of goal secured their undefeated championship victory.

Qatar's championship journey

Qatar started the Asian Cup in Group A with Lebanon, Tajikistan, and China. Qatar finished the group with nine points, making it three out of three, and made its way to the round of 16.

Qatar, who finished first in its group, were paired with Palestine in the round of 16. Overcoming Palestine with a score of 2-1, Qatar defeated Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals via penalty kicks and advanced to the semi-finals.

Qatar played against Iran, one of the favorites of the tournament, in the semi-finals. In the match that witnessed many goals, Qatar defeated Iran 3-2 and advanced to the final.

Two consecutive championships

Qatar, who have managed to become champion only twice throughout its history, won their second championship in a row. Qatar won the 2019 Asian Cup by defeating Japan 3-1 in the final. They are now the fifth country who have won back-to-back titles. Other countries include South Korea (1956, 1960), Iran (1968, 1972, 1976), Saudi Arabia (1984, 1988), and Japan (2000, 2004).

The best of the tournament

While Qatar completed the tournament undefeated, Afif scored three goals in the final. Afif, who was chosen as the MVP of this game, was also chosen as the most valuable player of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup. Meshaal Barsham, the Qatar goalkeeper, was chosen as the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

The list of the top goal scorers of the entire tournament was shared after the final game was played. Afif was also the top goal scorer with eight goals. Coming into the final with five goals, Afif's three goals in the final helped him win this title.