Jordan reached an unprecedented milestone after edging Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a tightly contested semi-final played on Monday. Nizar Al-Rashdan proved decisive, guiding a headed effort into the net to separate the sides and secure a place in the Arab Cup showpiece for the first time.
Jordan reached an unprecedented milestone after edging Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a tightly contested semi-final played on Monday. Nizar Al-Rashdan proved decisive, guiding a headed effort into the net to separate the sides and secure a place in the Arab Cup showpiece for the first time.
The Nashama entered the contest without key forward Yazan Al-Naimat, who had sustained a serious knee problem during the quarter-final against Iraq. Despite that absence, the Jordanian lineup showed resilience and discipline throughout the encounter.
Saudi Arabia struggled to impose their usual attacking rhythm, as Jordan’s compact setup reduced space and forced the match into a cautious, tactical battle that lasted most of the evening.
The semi-final took place at Al-Bayt Stadium in Qatar and drew a tournament-high crowd of 62,825 spectators. The atmosphere was intense, yet both teams began conservatively, prioritizing structure over risk.
Jordan adopted a five-man defensive line supported by four midfielders, an approach designed to neutralize Salem Al-Dawsari and Saleh Abou Al-Shamat in advanced areas. This strategy limited Saudi penetration before the interval.
After halftime, adjustments by Jordan shifted the balance. Greater emphasis on transitional play allowed Mohammed Abu Zrayq to become influential along the right side, where his movement stretched the opposition and increased attacking pressure.
The breakthrough arrived from the left channel. Mahmoud Al-Mardi floated a teasing delivery into the area, catching the Saudi back line unprepared, and Al-Rashdan met the ball with a powerful header in the 66th minute.
Saudi Arabia reacted by reshuffling personnel, bringing on Musab Al-Juwayr of Al-Qadsiah. The midfielder helped connect play between Al-Dawsari and Feras Al-Brikan as the Green Falcons searched for an equalizer.
Chances followed, with Al-Brikan and Saleh Al-Shehri both threatening, but goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila produced a vital stop to preserve the advantage. Tensions rose further when Waleed Al-Ahmed received a straight red card late on for denying a counterattack, allowing Jordan to close out a landmark success.
Jordan will now meet Morocco in Thursday’s final, after the North Africans recorded a 3-0 win over the United Arab Emirates earlier the same day.
