Akram Afif played a key role in Qatar's 2019 Asian Cup triumph in the UAE. Now 27, the star continues to lead his team to the 2023 Asian Cup final, after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Iran in the semi-final on February 7.
Akram Afif, the outstanding star of the Qatar team
"We have learned a lot from each tournament. Like the 2022 World Cup, which was our first time participating. It was also a World Cup that our country Qatar hosted. Honestly, it was difficult. Because we lost all three matches in the group stage. Now it's the Asian Cup, the second big tournament we play at home. However, this time we have more experience. We have shown that through the past matches, improving every day and now we are in the final," Akram Afif shared.
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"These are useful experiences. The Qatar team now no longer feels the pressure like when competing in the 2022 World Cup. We have coped with the pressure very well, overcome it and now there is only 1 match left. I believe the whole team will confidently win the final, to win the Asian Cup for the second time in history. And it will be great if we do it right at home," Akram Afif expressed, in an interview with the-AFC website of the Asian Football Confederation.
Meanwhile, Qatar coach Marquez Lopez was cautious: "We have to be really focused. Jordan showed that it was no coincidence that they reached the final, especially after defeating South Korea (winning 2-0). We also had a very complicated match with a very strong opponent, Iran. Now we have one last step to defend our Asian Cup title. In the final, anything can happen. We cannot afford to make any mistakes or be subjective."
Coach Marquez Lopez's joy (middle) after the semi-final match with Iran
Coach Marquez Lopez also praised previous coaches such as Felix Sanchez and Carlos Quieroz for helping the Qatar team make progress as it is today.
"I have been in charge of the team since December 2023. I have my own philosophy and path, but I cannot say this is my own success. I am just someone who tries to do it my way with the players to achieve the best results. I have great respect for the previous coaches Felix Sanchez and Carlos Quieroz, who did a great job, so now I follow them and take the Qatar team forward," coach Marquez Lopez shared.
If coach Marquez Lopez helps Qatar win the 2023 Asian Cup, it will be the 5th team in history to win the Asian Cup twice in a row after South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
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