Akram Afif led Qatar to their second consecutive Asian Cup title with a hat-trick in the final against Jordan. He achieved major individual awards and expressed a yearning to play in Europe, contingent on personal decisions. Coach Marquez Lopez adapted quickly to leading Qatar, while Jordan’s coach addressed their challenges under pressure in their first final appearance.
In the Asian Cup final held on February 10, Qatar’s Akram Afif showcased his prowess as a top forward by scoring a hat-trick in a 3-1 victory over Jordan, leading his team to their second consecutive title. He not only secured the victory but also earned multiple accolades including Man of the Match, Most Valuable Player, and top scorer with eight goals across the tournament.
Afif, having significantly impacted Qatar’s previous victory in 2019, is now regarded as one of Asia’s most formidable players. Coaches, including Tajikistan’s Petar Segrt, have lauded his talent, emphasizing that any potential return to European football depends on Afif’s personal desires.
At the tournament’s start, Afif expressed aspirations of returning to Europe, citing his past stints with Belgian club Eupen and the Spanish side Villarreal. He mentioned, “I’d love to become a professional player (in Europe)… I’d say I would love to go,” underscoring his ambition despite the complexities involved in making such a move.
Post-tournament, Afif plans to relish Qatar’s historic win as the fifth nation to defend their Asian Cup crown and remains open to his future. He stated his happiness in achieving this title while indicating future decisions would unfold organically.
Qatar’s coach, Marquez Lopez, noted the challenges of taking over the team shortly before the tournament, following the sudden departure of Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz. He expressed satisfaction with how quickly players adapted to his strategies, even though he has not made long-term commitments regarding his role.
In contrast, Jordan’s coach Hussein Ammouta reflected on his team’s performance, acknowledging the pressure of competing in their first Asian Cup final. The team performed admirably during the tournament but ultimately fell short, with Ammouta stressing the need for continued improvement and skill development to maintain competitive momentum.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
