Doha: Qatar erupted in joy as the Al Annabi created history at the fully-packed Lusail Stadium on Saturday by winning the AFC Asian Cup title for the second time in a row.
With their second consecutive victory after their triumph in the UAE in 2019, Qatar became the first team in 20 years to win back-to-back titles since Japan’s title win in 2004. Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Iran had also won back-to-back titles.
Citizens and residents celebrated the victory in style, with motorists honking horns and people celebrating on social media. The celebrations continued late into the night.
The Lusail Stadium witnessed rapturous and thunderous scenes each time magician Akram Afif fired a goal to create a hat-trick. More than 86,500 spectators had assembled at the iconic Lusail Stadium to witness the thrilling final.
The Lusail Boulevard was the centre of celebrations. By the time local organizers announced on social media that AFC Asian Cup champions, the host nation Qatar, would celebrate their successful title defence at Lusail Boulevard, the place was already packed with fans.
In its post, the AFC Asian Cup 2023 invited fans to join the celebrations at Lusail Boulevard. “Let’s celebrate Al Annabi together, the AsianCup2023 champions,” read the post.
Several venues where the final match was screened on giant screens, like the fan zone at Doha Expo 2023, Katara Cultural Village, Old Doha Port, Msheireb Downtown etc witnessed large crowds where Qatar’s thrilling victory was welcomed with shouts of joy.
Doha skies also dazzled with a stunning drone show after the finals, which was announced by the Expo 2023 Doha on social media.
“The AFC Asian Games fan zone in the cultural arena will showcase the finals which will be followed by the drone show at the expo site,” Doha Expo 2023 announced.
Another drone show is scheduled to take place on February 13, 2024, at 6:15pm and 8:15pm at the same venue to mark the National Sport Day that the country will observe on Tuesday.
Congratulations also poured in from regional leaders and others at Qatar’s spectacular victory.
UAE President H H Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan lauded the successful organization of the tournament and commended the Qatari people and H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for their victory.
On his X account, Sheikh Mohamed said: “Sincere congratulations to my brother @TamimBinHamad and the Qatari people on Qatar’s victory in the AFC Asian Cup in Doha and successful organisation of the tournament. I commend Jordan for an excellent performance and congratulate all participants for demonstrating the power of sport to build bridges of cooperation and friendship among countries and peoples.”
