Lusail, Qatar: The Maroon Machine roared again as Qatar defended their AFC Asian Cup title dramatically, defeating Jordan 3-1 in a pulsating final. While the fairytale run for Jordan ended just shy of the ultimate prize, it was a night etched with brilliance for Akram Afif, who single-handedly steered his nation to glory with a sensational hat trick.

In a cauldron of noise at the Lusail Stadium, Qatar stamped their authority early with Afif’s ice-cool penalty conversion in the 22nd minute. However, Jordan, playing in their maiden final, refused to crumble. They regrouped, defended resolutely, and stunned the hosts with Al Naimat’s equalizer just past the hour mark.

When the pendulum seemed to be swinging towards the underdogs, Afif stepped up again. Deep into injury time, he found himself at the centre of attention again, calmly dispatching another penalty to snatch victory from the jaws of a potential upset. It was a moment of pure elation for Qatar, who erupted in celebration alongside their delirious fans, while Jordan, though heartbroken, was applauded for their spirited performance.

This victory cemented Qatar’s status as a dominant force in Asian football, becoming only the fourth nation to win back-to-back titles. They stand tall alongside giants like Iran, Japan, and Saudi Arabia in the tournament’s history books. But the night belonged to Afif, whose predatory instincts and composure under pressure proved decisive. His three goals earned him the Golden Boot and the Most Valuable Player award, solidifying his reputation as a rising star on the continental stage.

While Jordan’s dream run fell short, they left Qatar with their heads held high, capturing the hearts of neutrals with their underdog spirit. As for Qatar, the celebrations will undoubtedly be long and loud. They have not only retained their Asian crown but also served notice that they are a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.