Jordan face hosts Qatar in Asian Cup final

Qatar won the Asian Cup in 2019, beating Japan 3-1 in the final

Jordan are aiming to win the Asian Cup for the first time when they take on hosts and reigning champions Qatar in Saturday's final (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

The match is at the Losail Stadium, the venue for the 2022 World Cup final.

"This match is very important, and may witness the first major title for Jordan football," said Jordan head coach Hussein Ammouta.

"We prepare for the final as normal, without adding any more pressure on the players, and we hope to produce a performance that reflects our team level, and what we produced to reach the final.

"I'm very satisfied with our achievement. It was a personal challenge for me to take Jordan to the final and I have achieved what I aimed for.

"Qatar are defending champions and playing at home makes them formidable opponents. We are all united in aiming to cross the finish line successfully. We aim to exceed expectations."

Jordan began their campaign with a 4-0 victory against Malaysia, then drew 2-2 with South Korea and lost 1-0 to Bahrain, but still progressed as one of the four best third-placed teams.

They looked to be on their way out against Iraq before goals in the fifth and seventh minutes of added time at the end of the second half gave them a dramatic 3-2 last-16 win over Iraq.

Jordan beat Tajikistan 1-0 in the quarter-finals before the win over a South Korean side ranked 64 places above them and one which included Tottenham forward Son Heung-min and Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan.

The Losail Stadium before the start of the final of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which Argentina won by beating France 4-2 on penalties

Qatar are aiming to be only the fifth nation to win back-to-back Asian Cup titles, having beaten Japan 3-1 in the 2019 final in the United Arab Emirates.

In the group phase in 2024, Qatar progressed with a maximum nine points after wins over Lebanon, Tajikistan and China, before coming from behind to beat Palestine 2-1 in the last 16.

Qatar gained a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Uzbekistan in the quarter-final and fought back from conceding early on to defeat Iran 3-2 in the semi-final.

"In the final, there will always be pressure, especially against a team that has performed well throughout the tournament," said Qatar head coach Marquez Lopez.

"However, we are here with the same courage and determination, aspiring only to win. That's what matters most to us.

"We're facing a team we highly respect and I'm confident all my players are more than capable and deserving of playing in this tournament.

"We are determined to compete fiercely and play our best to win. Second place will not be enough - we aim to be the best in Asia."