Jordan's Ali Olwan (left) celebrates with teammates.
Doha, Qatar: Jordan held their nerve to edge past Iraq 1-0 and book a semi-final place at the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 following a thrilling last-eight clash at the Education City Stadium yesterday.
A 41st-minute spot kick from Ali Olwan sealed the deal for the Jordanians, who will take on Saudi Arabia for a berth in the title clash on Monday at Al Bayt Stadium.
The Green Falcons defeated Palestine 2-1 in the other quarter-final on Thursday.
Jordan, already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, once again showed their maturity on the big stage despite the fierce Iraqi attack in front of 43,486 spectators at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 venue.
Jordan almost struck inside the opening minute when Yazan Al Naimat attempted a clever back-flick from Mahmoud Almardi’s corner, only to see a sharp one-handed save from Iraqi goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.
However, their momentum was halted in the 15th minute when Al Naimat suffered a knee injury and was stretchered off, prompting head coach Jamal Sellami to introduce Odeh Fakhoury.
Despite the setback, Jordan found the breakthrough four minutes before the interval.
Ali Olwan calmly converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled that Almardi’s header had struck the arm of Mustafa Saadoo inside the box. Jordan almost doubled the lead shortly, but Fakhoury saw his goal disallowed for offside in the build-up.
Iraq, coached by Graham Arnold, pushed forward with greater intent after the break.
Ahmed Maknazi headed narrowly wide before Ali Jasim tested Jordan keeper Yazeed Abulaila twice. Mohammed Jawad and Mohanad Ali also made attempts in search of an equaliser.
Despite making 18 attempts to score, with five of them on target, Iraq succumbed under pressure as Jordan defended with discipline to keep their Arab Cup dream alive.
Despite the joy, a tearful coach Sellami was worried about Al Naimat’s condition.
“These are not tears of joy. This win and qualification have no real taste because of Yazan’s injury. It left a big impact on us,” Sellami said after the match.
Jordan gloveman Abulaila said the win carried extra meaning for the squad after Al Naimat’s injury.
“This is a very big deal for us, honestly. It has happened to me more than once, but this match meant a lot,” Abulaila said.
“Captain Yazan Al Naimat’s injury affected us psychologically,” he said.
“We wanted to dedicate the victory to him. Thank God, we promised and we delivered. We dedicated the win to him.”
