Latest editorial
Qatar's Akram Afif celebrates after scoring his third goal during the Asian Cup final soccer match between Qatar and Jordan at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, February 10, 2024
with Jamie J
WITH his flowing curls and thrilling attacking play, it was no surprise that Akram Afif was likened to Liverpool star Mo Salah at the Asian Cup.
Over the space of a month, the Qatar forward lit up the tournament. With eight goals, including a hat trick in the 3-1 win over Jordan in the final, he was the leading scorer and man of the match as his team won back-to-back titles.
But once the celebrations are over, Afif will return to Al Sadd in Qatar, rather than a team from one of Europe’s top leagues.
Forward’s rise as the tournament’s leading scorer reflects a journey shaped by heritage and belief as Morocco reach the final, writes JAMES NALTON
Dabbagh and his Palestinian team’s World Cup campaign may have come to an end, but it has given fans hope amid war and tragedy, writes JOHN DUERDEN