KUALA LUMPUR: A classic is on the cards as underdogs Jordan take on Qatar in the Asian Cup final at Lusail Stadium tomorrow.
Defending champions Qatar will be bidding to become only the fifth team to win back-to-back titles after South Korea, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Japan.
The Maroons are determined to bounce back and regain respect after a nightmarish World Cup outing last year as hosts, where they lost all three group matches — the worst record for any host in the competition's history.
World No. 58 Qatar are the overwhelming favourites against No. 87 Jordan.
However, the Chivalrous, who have four players who plied their trade in the M-League, will not be overawed by the occasion in their first-ever Asian Cup final.
Sabah coach Ong Kim Swee has picked Jordan to beat Qatar in the final.
He also praised Morocco-born coach Hussein Ammouta for turning things around for Jordan, who had thrashed Malaysia 4-0 in the group stage.
"Despite Qatar having home-ground advantage, I feel Jordan will achieve a perfect ending by lifting the trophy," said Kim Swee.
"The Jordan coach has done a fantastic job turning their fortunes around. They are consistent. Furthermore, they defend and attack as a team and work hard together."
"The team were criticised heading into the tournament (for their poor record in friendly matches). However, they played against tough teams in the build-up stage and learned from their defeats to improve."
Meanwhile, former KL City coach Bojan Hodak has picked Qatar to win their second consecutive Asian Cup crown.
Hodak said the individual brilliance of Qatari players, especially forwards Akram Afif and Almoez Ali, will give them the edge.
"It is always open in any final. However, hosts Qatar hold a slight advantage," said the Croatian coach.
"Nobody expected Jordan to reach the final, but with the right combination of young and experienced players, they have achieved it.
"Jordan will not face much pressure, unlike Qatar, who, I believe, hope to achieve something special in front of their fans.
"Qatar have a good forward line, but they have also conceded many goals. I think defensively, Jordan are better.
"It will be an exciting and tight final. However, the individual brilliance of the Qatar players will be key in this final."
