Jordan players celebrate after defeating the UAE in the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 semi-final at Al-Bayt Stadium. PICTURES: MOHAMMED FARAG/THE PENINSULA
Doha: Nizar Al Rashdan’s second-half header sent Jordan into the FIFA Arab Cup final as they edged Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a tense semi-final at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.
Jordan, now winning five consecutive matches in Qatar, will face Morocco in Thursday’s much-anticipated final at the iconic Lusail Stadium, coinciding with Qatar National Day celebrations. Morocco booked their place earlier with a commanding 3-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates at Khalifa International Stadium.
Al Rashdan’s 66th-minute goal ended Herve Renard’s side’s impressive run in the tournament, with Jamal Sellami's Jordan producing a disciplined display in a cagey contest despite the absence of injured star forward Yazan Al Naimat.
The players paid tribute to Al Naimat - who was watching from the stands - by holding up his jersey during the official team photo before kick-off. The forward was ruled out after picking up an injury in the quarter-final against Iraq.
With around 63,000 spectators attending the match, the first half was evenly balanced, while Jordan grew in confidence after the break and showed defensive resilience once they took the lead. Saudi Arabia’s disappointing night ended with a last-gasp red card to Waleed Al Ahmad.
Ahmad Ersan had the first effort of the match after 10 minutes, but his shot was comfortably gathered by Nawaf Alaqidi as the semi-final began at a brisk yet cautious pace.
Saudi Arabia later won a free-kick on the right edge of the box but failed to make it count, before Nawaf Bu Washl fired wide from distance. An appeal for a penalty following an apparent handball by Mohannad Abu Taha was dismissed after a VAR check, with only a corner awarded.
Despite enjoying more possession late in the first half, Saudi Arabia struggled to create clear chances and the sides went into the break goalless.
Both coaches made changes early in the second half, with Abdulrahman Alobud replacing Saleh Abu Alshamat and Mohammad Abuzraiq coming on for Ersan.
Al Rashdan soon tested Alaqidi with a low effort, while openings remained limited as both sides stayed compact.
Jordan gradually increased the pressure, and two minutes after Renard introduced Nasser Al Dawsari for Musab Al Juwayr in the 64th minute, the breakthrough arrived.
Mahmoud Al Mardi saw his initial attempt blocked but quickly recovered to deliver a precise cross, allowing Al Rashdan to rise and head home.
Saudi Arabia responded with urgency, forcing Yazeed Abulaila into a fine save from Feras Albrikan. Captain Salem Al Dawsari, who had endured a quiet outing, then began to influence proceedings, stepping up to create chances as Renard’s side pushed for an equaliser.
Saleh Al Shehri was later introduced for Bu Washl, and he narrowly missed connecting with a superb delivery from Al Juwayr.
A late appeal for a penalty by Al Dawsari was turned down, reflecting a frustrating evening for Saudi Arabia, which ended with Al Ahmad’s yellow card being upgraded to a red after VAR ruled he had denied Ali Olwan a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
