In a thrilling match at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Friday, Jordan secured a spot in the AFC Asian Cup semi-finals by narrowly defeating debutants Tajikistan 1-0. The decisive moment came in the second half when Vahdat Hanonov, unfortunately, scored an own goal from a set piece.
Despite a goalless first half, both teams had their chances. Tajikistan’s Ehson Panjshanbe hit the bar with a promising effort, while Jordan’s Yazan Al-Naimat missed two challenging opportunities to break the deadlock. However, it was Jordan who eventually broke through in the 66th minute when Abdallah Nasib’s header found the net via a deflection off Hanonov’s chest.
Although Tajikistan made valiant efforts to equalize, including a testing long-range shot from Alisher Shukurov that forced a save from Jordan’s keeper, Yazeed Abulaila, they were unable to level the score. Jordan held on to secure a memorable victory.
Hussein Ammouta’s team will now face either 2015 champions Australia or South Korea in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
