Amman, Dec. 3 (Petra) – The national football team secured a crucial 2–1 victory over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday at Al Bayt Stadium in Doha, marking the start of their campaign in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The match saw strong Jordanian fan support, with the national flag proudly displayed in the stands and continuous cheering throughout the game.

Jordan collected its first three points in the tournament, topping Group C. Egypt and Kuwait are second and third with one point each, while the UAE remains without points.

The opening goal came in the 20th minute from a penalty converted by Ali Olwan after Yazan Al Naimat was fouled. Al Naimat was fouled again in the 38th minute, earning Jordan another penalty, but Olwan’s attempt was saved, leaving the score 1–0 at halftime.

Early in the second half, UAE’s Bruno equalized in the 47th minute. Jordan regained the lead in the 63rd minute with a goal from Yazan Al Naimat, maintaining the advantage until the final whistle.

Jordan’s lineup included Yazeed Abu Laila, Abdullah Nasib, Salim Obeid (Husam Abu Dahab), Saed Al Rosan, Adham Al-Quraishi, Mohannad Abu Taha, Ahmed Al-Arsan (Mahmoud Mardi), Nizar Al-Rashdan (Rajaei Ayed), Ibrahim Sadeh (Amer Jamous), Ali Olwan, and Yazan Al Naimat (Odeh Fakhouri).

Jordan will face Kuwait next on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium, before concluding the group stage against Egypt on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Al Bayt Stadium.

The tournament also serves as an important preparatory stage for Jordan ahead of their historic participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making the national team the first Arab team to qualify.

//Petra// AF

03/12/2025 22:41:02