The Qatar national team retained the title of the Asian Cup for the second consecutive time after winning 3-1 against Jordan in the final match held at the Lusail Stadium on Saturday night. Qatar scored all three of its goals from the penalty spot through Akram Afif in the 20th, 71st, and 94th minutes, while Jordan's goal was scored by Yazan Al-Naimat in the 65th minute.
Both teams quickly immersed themselves in the match, each seeking to find the net and strengthen their chances of securing the continental title. Qatar threatened the Jordanian goal early on when Afif broke through from the left side and his shot was turned by Abu Leila for a corner. Afif had another chance as he received a free kick inside the penalty area, but he shot weakly into Abu Leila's arms.
Qatar's Afif, Jassim, and Al-Moaz exerted pressure on the Jordanian defenders in search of mistakes to capitalize on. Meanwhile, Jordan dealt calmly with its opponent's ambitions, and the runs of Al-Tamari and Al-Awan from the flanks posed a nuisance to Qatar's defense.
Jordan responded to Afif's opportunity with a coordinated attack led by Al-Awan, who penetrated and provided a perfect pass to Al-Naimat, whose shot was saved by Barsham. Qatar earned a penalty in the 20th minute, which Afif successfully converted to the right of Abu Leila. Jordan's performance did not improve, as Lucas later attempted to reach a cross, but Abu Leila deflected it for a corner.
Excitement faded in the final minutes as there were multiple instances of intercepted balls. Afterward, Al-Awan maneuvered and passed to Al-Naimat inside the penalty area, whose powerful shot hit defender Muhammad Waad for a corner, ending the first half with Qatar leading by a goal.
In the second half, Spanish coach Lopez made two substitutions at once, bringing in Abdul Aziz Hatim and Ali Asad for Al-Heidos and Jassim. Jordan pressed in hopes of equalizing, and after the fans' cheers rose, Haddad received a pass from Al-Naimat and hit it powerfully, with Barsham making a valiant effort to clear it.
Luck was with the Jordanians as Al-Tamari shot powerfully but Barsham saved, while Al-Ruwabda needed more precision for his attempt to enter the net. The Jordanians equalized in the 65th minute when Al-Naimat exploited Haddad's cross, controlled it, and unleashed a powerful shot into Barsham’s net.
Jordan did not enjoy the equalizer for long, as the referee awarded a penalty to Qatar shortly after following a VAR review, allowing Afif to execute it successfully in the 71st minute. Abu Leila saved Afif's attempt from a free kick for a corner, and Jordan's performance inexplicably declined, leading the coach to substitute Murad for Saleh Ratab.
Afif broke through to face Abu Leila, but the latter came out to intercept the ball. The referee then referred to VAR and awarded a third penalty, which Afif converted to the right of Abu Leila in the 90+4 minutes.
