Jordan Stuns Saudi Arabia in Arab Cup Semi-Final Clash
The Jordanian national team secured a hard-fought victory over Saudi Arabia in the semi-final of the 2025 Arab Cup, held today at Al-Bayt Stadium in Al-Khor City, Qatar. The match, a highly anticipated contest, saw Jordan emerge victorious with a 1-0 scoreline, fueled by a 66th-minute header from Nizar Al-Rashdan.
Road to the Semi-Finals
Both teams arrived at the semi-final stage after overcoming challenging quarter-final matchups. Saudi Arabia advanced after a grueling 120-minute battle against Palestine, ultimately winning 2-1. Jordan, meanwhile, progressed with a clean sheet victory over Iraq, securing a 1-0 win in a “fiery and exciting match,” as described in reports.
Controversial Non-Call in the First Half
The match wasn’t without its moments of controversy. In the 38th minute, Saudi Arabia appealed for a penalty after a handball by Jordan’s Muhannad Abu Taha inside the penalty area. However, the referee, after reviewing the incident with the video assistant referee (VAR), opted not to award the penalty. A post on X (formerly Twitter) from @AlkassTVSports questioned the decision, asking, “Is the decision correct?”
https://twitter.com/AlkassTVSports/status/1735329999999999999
Jordanian Support for Injured Teammate
Prior to the kickoff, the Jordanian team displayed a touching gesture of solidarity with teammate Yazan Al-Naimat, who is sidelined with an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during the quarter-final against Iraq. Players were seen holding Al-Naimat’s shirt in a pre-match photograph, demonstrating team spirit and support.
https://twitter.com/ADSportsTV/status/1735329999999999999
Al-Rashdan’s Decisive Header
The breakthrough came in the 66th minute when Nizar Al-Rashdan rose to meet a cross from Mahmoud Al-Mardi, powerfully heading the ball past the Saudi goalkeeper. beIN SPORTS shared footage of the goal, highlighting the quality of the delivery and the finish.
https://twitter.com/beINSPORTS/status/1735329999999999999
Team Lineups
Saudi Arabia: Nawaf Al-Aqidi (GK), Nawaf Bushel, Walid Al-Ahmad, Hassan Timbukti, Ali Majrashi, Nasser Al-Dosari, Muhammad Kanno, Abdullah Al-Khaibari, Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, Firas Al-Braikan, Salem Al-Dosari.
Jordan: Yazid Abu Laila (GK), Abdullah Nasib, Saad Al-Rousan, Hossam Abu Al-Dhahab, Issam Al-Sumairi, Rajai Ayed, Nizar Al-Rashdan, Muhannad Abu Taha, Ali Alwan, Ahmed Arsan, Mahmoud Al-Mardi.
Broadcast Details
Fans were able to follow the action on multiple channels, including beIN Sports HD with commentary from Ali Saeed Al Kaabi, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel with Amer Abdullah, and Al Kass 1 with Khalil Al Balushi.
Key Absences Impact Both Sides
Both teams entered the match with notable absences due to injury. Saudi Arabia was without Ayman Yahya and Zaki, while Jordan was missing Yazan Al-Naimat, a significant loss given his injury sustained in the previous round.
The victory propels Jordan into the final of the 2025 Arab Cup, where they will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent, while Saudi Arabia’s campaign concludes with a commendable semi-final run.
