Qatar secured back-to-back Asian Cup titles Saturday with a 3-1 victory over Jordan thanks to a hat-trick of penalties by Akram Afif.
Afif, named Most Valuable Player, was the tournament's top scorer with eight goals for Qatar, who won their first Asian Cup in 2019 by beating Japan 3-1 in the final in the United Arab Emirates.
Afif opened the scoring from the spot in the 22nd minute after being brought down, but first-time finalists Jordan leveled in the 67th minute through Yazan Al Naimat's powerful effort from close range at Lusail Stadium.
A foul on Ismaeel Mohammad handed Qatar their second penalty and Afif converted to regain the lead in the 73rd minute before the attacker scored another spot kick in second-half stoppage time after he was brought down by Jordan keeper Yazeed Abulaila.
The next Asian Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2027.
