For the first time in its history, the Jordan national team reached the final of the Asian Football Cup after defeating South Korea 2-0 in an exhilarating match held on Tuesday evening at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in the Qatari capital, Doha.
Jordan imposed its dominance in the first half but succeeded in breaking the deadlock in the second half through Yazan Al-Naimat in the 52nd minute, followed by a second goal from Mousa Al-Tamari in the 67th minute. Jordan will face the winner of tomorrow's match between Qatar and Iran in the final.
Jordanian fans experienced great joy with this historic victory against South Korea, one of the strongest contenders for the title.
### Missed Opportunities for Jordan
The Jordanian team did not give their opponent a chance to gain the upper hand, quickly pushing forward and revealing early offensive ambitions that forced the South Korean players to withdraw. Jordan nearly opened the scoring early on with a powerful shot from Nizar Al-Rashada that was turned into a corner by South Korean goalkeeper Jo Hyun.
Jordan relied on high pressing and recovering the ball from midfield, aiming to create danger through Al-Tamari or Mardhi to support striker Al-Naimat. The Jordanian team varied its offensive options before Ahmad Hadad unleashed a rocket shot from distance that went just past the post.
The South Korean goalkeeper stopped a shot from Al-Rawabda, while Jordan repeatedly used the offside trap to thwart the opponent's plans. South Korea tried to find spaces to threaten the Jordanian goal, with a chance arising for Kim Young, who missed a hurried shot after receiving the ball in the penalty area.
The advantage remained with Jordan along with missed opportunities, as Al-Naimat was close to scoring after penetrating the penalty area and firing a powerful shot that was saved by goalkeeper Hyun. The left post prevented a strong shot from Lee Kwan-hee that he struck while amidst Jordanian defenders.
The referee canceled a penalty awarded against Jordan’s defender Yazan Al-Arab after reviewing it with VAR. Al-Naimat danced around the South Korean defense and penetrated the penalty area before shooting into the goalkeeper’s body, wasting a dangerous opportunity.
### Jordan Enters History
In the second half, the Jordanians continued their efforts to score, with Al-Tamari intercepting the ball from defense and delivering a perfect pass to Al-Naimat, who shot over the goalkeeper, putting Jordan ahead in the 52nd minute.
Immediately afterward, Al-Tamari had a precious opportunity when he received the ball between defenders and made a sudden shot, which Hyun bravely saved. Jordan increased its lead with a second goal from Al-Tamari, who advanced from midfield and shot to the right of Hyun in the 67th minute.
Jordanian defender Abu Hashish heroically cleared a dangerous ball for a corner. The South Korean team attempted to equalize, but the resilient Jordanian defense held firm to protect their lead. Jordan's coach Ammouta substituted Yazan Al-Naimat with Anas Al-Awadat to reinvigorate the offensive capabilities.
