2022 World Cup hosts Qatar secure back-to-back Asian Cup titles as Akram Afif scores hat-trick from penalties to lead his country to 3-1 win over Jordan

Akram Afif scored a hat-trick of penalties to secure back-to-back Asian Cup titles for Qatar in a 3-1 win against Jordan on Saturday.

The striker struck in the first half of the final and then twice after the break at Lusail Stadium to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer with eight goals.

Yazan Al Naimat had leveled the game in the second half but Qatar were awarded two penalties on video review and Afif showed no nerve to convert on both occasions.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe had lit up this spectacular stadium at the World Cup and now it was Afif’s turn, with his goal in front of more than 86,000 fans crowning his outstanding tournament.

Qatar became the first back-to-back winners since Japan in 2000 and 2004. It is the fifth nation to successfully defend the title, although Iran won it three times in a row from 1968 to 1976.

Qatar’s Hasan Al Haydos is presented with the trophy by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Akram Afif’s joyous celebration as he scored his third penalty of the match to secure his hat-trick and the trophy

Afif was brought down in the area in stoppage time by Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila

But despite being defending champions, this represented an unexpected triumph for a nation that endured a miserable World Cup on home soil in 2022, exiting the tournament after three straight group stage defeats.

Spanish coach Márquez López had only been appointed in December and Qatar were beaten 2-1 by Jordan in a friendly in January.

Preparations were hardly ideal but it didn’t take long for Qatar to show their credentials as potential champions once again after bringing a 100% winning record into the group stage with outstanding performances from Afif.

Afif won and converted a penalty in the 22nd minute on Saturday, but Jordan – playing in his first Asian Cup final – was back on level terms when Al Naimat volleyed home from inside the box in the 67th.

At that time, Jordan had been on top.

Afif converted every one of his goals from the spot and showed a cool head throughout

Jordan’s players look dejected after losing their first ever Asian Cup final

Qatar will feel some level of vindication after bowing out of their home World Cup in meek fashion

However, it was behind again when Ismaeel Mohammad was brought down by Mahmoud Al Mardi.

It took a video review before referee Ma Ning pointed to the spot – but when he did Afif delivered again by firing into the left corner.

In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Afif completed his hat-trick after he was fouled by Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.

Again, it required a video review to award the spot kick. Again, Afif converted.