Doha, Qatar – Jordan has advanced to the knockout stage of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 following a decisive 3-1 victory over Kuwait on Tuesday. The win, secured in a Group C match, guarantees a top-two finish for Jordan regardless of the outcome of their final game. This achievement marks a strong start for the Jordanian national team in the tournament.
The match took place at a stadium in Doha, with Jordan demonstrating early dominance and a relentless attack. A late penalty sealed the victory, despite a goal from Kuwait in the closing minutes of the game. The team’s coach, Jamal Sellami, expressed satisfaction with the performance and a focus on managing player fatigue.
Jordan Secures Arab Cup Knockout Stage Berth with Kuwait Win
Jordan’s victory over Kuwait wasn’t just about securing points; it represented a strategic performance aimed at conserving energy for the team’s remaining fixtures. The demanding schedule of the FIFA Arab Cup requires careful player management to maintain peak condition throughout the tournament, according to Sellami.
Mohannad Abutaha opened the scoring for Jordan in the 17th minute with a powerful strike. This early goal set the tone for the match, allowing Jordan to dictate the pace and build momentum. The team continued to press, with Mahmoud Almardi nearly extending the lead shortly after.
Saed Alrosan added another goal for Jordan in the 49th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Kuwait. This second goal further solidified Jordan’s control of the match and put substantial pressure on Kuwait to respond. However, a VAR review shortly after denied Jordan a third goal due to an offside call.
Kuwait’s Late Push and Jordan’s Resilience
Kuwait managed to pull one back in the 84th minute thanks to a header from Yousef Nasser, briefly reigniting their hopes. The goal spurred Kuwait to launch a more aggressive attack, but it ultimately left them vulnerable at the back.
The final nail in the coffin came in the seventh minute of stoppage time when Ali Olwan converted a penalty. This late penalty secured Jordan’s 3-1 win and officially confirmed their progression to the next round of the Arab Cup. The result highlights the importance of set-piece execution in crucial moments.
The tournament, designed to foster football development in the Arab region, provides a vital platform for national teams to gain international experience. This competition has become increasingly significant in recent years, attracting a growing number of fans and media attention.
Looking ahead, Jordan will face Egypt in their final group stage match. Sellami indicated the team will prioritize rest and rotation in this game to ensure players are fresh for the knockout rounds. The focus will now shift towards scouting potential opponents and refining their tactical approach for the more challenging stages of the competition.
The exact implications of Jordan’s advancement for the tournament’s overall dynamic remain to be seen, as other group results will determine their seeding and potential path to the final. The upcoming matches will be crucial in shaping the competition and identifying the strongest contenders for the title. Monitoring player fitness and adapting to changing game conditions will be key for Jordan as they aim for a deep run in the FIFA Arab Cup 2025.
