Jordan vs Qatar Prediction: Afif to fire Maroons to back-to-back titles

Over four weeks of non-stop action have all led to the 89,000 capacity Lusail Stadium on Saturday afternoon (15:00). Jordan take on hosts Qatar looking for their first ever title, whilst Qatar are seeking back-to-back titles. We've taken a look at this massive clash and given you our betting predictions. 

Not many would have predicted before the opening game, that it would be Jordan, ranked 87th in the world, taking on a Qatar side that ditched their manager just a month before the tournament began. Now though, on Saturday afternoon, each side has a chance of creating their own Asian Cup history.

For The Brave Gentlemen, the chance to pick up their first ever major title awaits and they have already far surpassed any pre-tournament expectations, having beaten a previous best finish of the quarter-finals in this competition.

Hussein Ammouta's squad only finished third in their group but then went on to eliminate Iraq, Tajikistan and most notably, South Korea. They have only lost one game in the tournament, a 1-0 loss to Bahrain and are now full of confidence heading into the biggest game of their lives.

As for Qatar, it's been a rollercoaster few years, winning the 2019 Asian Cup, before failing to pick up a single point at a World Cup that they hosted under controversial circumstances.

The man who led them at that tournament, Felix Sanchez, was replaced by former Manchester United assistant coach Carlos Queiroz, who himself was sacked in early December and in came the current incumbent, Tintin Marquez.

The Spaniard has galvanised the national side and seen them go undefeated through the tournament, picking up group wins against Lebabon, Tajikistan and China, before knocking out Palestine, Uzbekistan and Iran.

Now Marquez has the chance to become a national hero, if he can guide the Maroons to back-to-back Asian Cup titles.

Team news

Neither side are expecting any injury issues at the time of writing and should have a full squad to select from.

Match odds

Jordan come into this game as the 12/5 outsider, with Qatar the 21/20 favourites to win their second title on the spin. Should you fancy extra time and penalties, the draw is backable at 21/10.

Goals could be hard to come by in Lusail with over 2.5 trading at 1/2. The last time these two sides faced off was in an international friendly in May, with Jordan prevailing 2-1. That same scoreline is 11/1 to reoccur on Saturday.

Qatar to win - 21/20

The big guns of Japan, Iran, South Korea and Australia have departed the tournament, which leaves Qatar as the 1/2 favourite to pick up the title on Saturday. I certainly wont disagree with that but I think they can get the job done inside the 90 minutes.

Qatar possess by far the better squad and have superior firepower in the form of Akram Afif (see below) and Almoez Ali. The Maroons have scored 11 goals and conceded only four and I think the home stadium factor can drive them on to secure the win.

Akram Afif to score in 90 mins - 9/5

Afif spent much of his youth career playing in Europe, in particular Spain and it clearly shows. The 27-year-old now plies his trade at Al Saad in his home country but still carries that western arrogance on the ball, running at will against defenders and loves to let off a shot.

He has five goals already in this tournament and I think he can be the hero in the Lusail Stadium, just as Lionel Messi was 14 months ago.

You can find all our latest Football Betting Tips on our Betfred Insights content hub.