AMMAN — Jordan booked their place in the semi-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Iraq on Friday at Education City Stadium in Doha, setting up a final-four clash with Saudi Arabia on Monday, December 15.

 

The match opened with a high tempo from both sides, but Jordan suffered an early setback when star forward Yazan Naimat was forced off through injury in the 15th minute, with Odeh Fakhoury coming on as his replacement. The tempo slowed thereafter, as both teams relied heavily on long passes in search of openings.

 

Jordan broke the deadlock in the 41st minute following a swift attacking move. A long ball into the box resulted in a Jordanian header striking the hand of an Iraqi defender, prompting the referee to award a penalty after a VAR review. Ali Olwan stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to give Jordan the lead.

 

Just three minutes later, Fakhoury found the back of the net, seemingly doubling Jordan’s advantage, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Jordan went into the break with a 1–0 lead.

 

Iraq began the second half with more control and possession, pressing Jordan deep into their own half. In the 60th minute, Ali Jasim fired a powerful long-range effort that Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila managed to tip away with his fingertips.

 

Iraq continued to dominate possession and threatened again in the 69th minute, with another strike from Jasim outside the box, only for Abulaila to produce another crucial save.

 

Jordan retreated into a defensive shape for much of the remainder of the match, relying on counterattacks while absorbing sustained Iraqi pressure. Despite Iraq’s late push, including several attacks during stoppage time, Jordan’s defence and goalkeeper delivered a resilient performance to preserve the lead.