Jordan came through a tense FIFA Arab Cup 2025 quarter-final, overcoming Iraq 1-0 at Education City Stadium on Friday to book a place in the last four.
Jordan came through a tense FIFA Arab Cup 2025 quarter-final, overcoming Iraq 1-0 at Education City Stadium on Friday to book a place in the last four.
The match nearly began in dramatic fashion as Yazan Alnaimat redirected Mahmoud Almardi’s corner with a clever flick inside the opening minute, only for Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil to deny him with a sharp one-handed stop.
Momentum shifted when Jordan was dealt a blow in the 15th minute, as Alnaimat was forced off on a stretcher with a knee problem, prompting coach Jamal Sellami to introduce Odeh Fakhoury.
Despite losing a key attacking figure, Jordan found the decisive moment shortly before the break through a spot kick.
In the 41st minute, a VAR check confirmed that Almardi’s header had struck the arm of Mustafa Saadoo, allowing Ali Olwan to calmly convert the resulting penalty.
Iraq escaped further trouble moments later, as Fakhoury saw his effort disallowed after Olwan was judged to have been in an offside position earlier in the move, leaving the contest finely balanced at halftime.
After the restart, Graham Arnold’s side increased their attacking intent, with Ahmed Maknazi sending a header narrowly wide as Iraq searched for an equalizer.
Ali Jasim then caught the eye with a powerful strike from long range, forcing Yazeed Abulaila into an acrobatic save to push the ball over the crossbar, before drawing another excellent stop in the 70th minute with a low attempt from outside the area.
Iraq continued to push, but their second-half control brought no breakthrough, as Jordan defended resolutely to secure progression and set up a semi-final clash with Saudi Arabia, who had earlier beaten Palestine 2-1.
