An astonishing late win guaranteed Jordan’s progress to the quarter finals of the AFC Asian Cup after their round of 16 match against Iraq at Khalifa International Stadium on Monday 29th January. Jordan scored two late goals during injury time to secure a hard-fought 3-2 result that knocked out Iraq from the competition.
Jordan’s Yazan Al-Naimat scored the match’s first goal in minute 46’. But Iraq’s Saad Natiq responded with an equaliser in minute 68’.
IRAQ SHOCKED
With Iraq looking destined to move into the last eight, Aymen Hussein struck the second goal in the 76’ minute, putting Iraq within sight of the Asian Cup quarterfinals.
But moments after, Iraq’s joy soon turned to frustration when referee Alireza Faghani served Aymen Hussein a second yellow card, sending him off for sparking wild celebrations, including him sitting cross-legged on the field and mimicking eating.
FIGHTBACK
Down to 10 men, the 2007 AFC Asian Cup champions Iraq could not withstand Jordan’s fightback and conceded twice in injury time to end its hopes of winning the competition for a second time.
The Jordanian Yazan Al-Arab levelled in the fifth minute of injury time from a rebound. Nizar Al-Rashdan netted the winner two minutes later with a glorious long-range effort from outside the box to break Iraqi hearts.
END OF A JOURNEY
Iraq beat pre-tournament favourites Japan and advanced to the knockout stage as the winner of Group D.
And, Aymen Hussein, was their most prolific striker in the competition with five goals. While Hussein added to that total, his red card proved pivotal as the last-16 match was turned on its head.
Jordan will play against Tajikistan in the quarterfinals on Friday, 2nd February 2024 at 12:30 Doha local time.
Credit: AIPS Media
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