The Jordanian national team has reached the semifinals of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in its history after defeating Tajikistan 1-0 on Friday in a match held at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium. The only goal of the match came from Tajik player Fahadat Hanonov, who scored an own goal in the 66th minute. The match, which took place at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium in the Qatari capital Doha, was attended by Jordan's Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, and Prince Ali bin Hussein.
Jordan will meet the winner of the match between Australia and South Korea, which takes place later today. The Jordanian team showed its attacking intentions early on, trying to dominate the midfield and spread the play across the flanks in hopes of scoring an early goal to unsettle their opponent. Jordan built its attacks through the runs of Aaid and Rawabdeh from midfield, receiving support from Mardhi and Al-Tamari, while Alwan played behind Al-Naimat.
Jordan came close to opening the scoring when Al-Naimat received a ball at the edge of the penalty area and shot powerfully, missing the left post of Tajik goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov. Tajikistan quickly responded to Jordan's opportunity with a cross met by Panchanbi, who shot but hit the crossbar, saving Abo Leila.
Tajik striker Samiev was injured and substituted for Seroyev, before Mardhi sent a ball into the penalty area that Al-Naimat reached and shot, but it went wide of the post. Al-Naimat, the Jordanian defender, was held by the shirt inside the penalty area, but no call was made despite the clear foul. Jordan's performance dropped, and their danger diminished as distances between players increased, with Tajikistan's players compacting in their half, ending the first half in a goalless draw.
In the second half, Jordan maintained possession, but it became ineffective. As time passed, Tajik players attempted to surprise Jordan's goal with long-range shots. Al-Ajalein mismanaged the ball, allowing Mabitshov to break through towards Abo Leila's goal but he shot wide. The Jordanian attack lost focus and remained distant from dangerous situations, struggling with the final touch.
Jordan managed to score the first goal following a corner that deflected off defender Fahadat Hanonov and entered his own net in the 67th minute. Al-Tamari failed to capitalize on a perfect ball set up by Al-Naimat, shooting over the goal. Coach Amouta made three substitutions, bringing on Saad and Abu Hashish, and Al-Awdat for Mardhi, Al-Naimat, and Rawabdeh.
Jordan tried to maintain their lead until the end, especially with their opponent's attacking efforts, ultimately winning with a valuable goal and experiencing the historic joy of qualifying for the semifinals for the first time.
