Hosts Qatar beat Jordan 3-1 to defend Asian Cup title

Akram Afif scored a hat-trick as hosts Qatar beat Jordan 3-1 on Saturday to clinch back-to-back Asian Cup titles.

Afif's goals in Lusail all came from penalties, in the 22nd and 73rd minute, and five minutes into stoppage time.

First-time finalists Jordan, who had ousted contenders South Korea in the semi-finals, got a temporary equalizer in the 67th from Yazan Al-Naimat.

Afif's hat-trick also made him tournament top scorer with eight goals.

The Asian Cup was originally due to be played last year in China but the country handed back the hosting rights in 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar then stepped in on short notice.