KSAsportz report
DOHA — In a thrilling semi-final at Al Bayt Stadium, Saudi Arabia was eliminated from the Arab Cup 2025 on Monday night after suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Jordan. This loss ended the Green Falcons’ aspirations of reaching the final, a significant setback ahead of their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The victory propelled Jordan to the Arab Cup final for the first time in its history, where they are set to face Morocco, who triumphed over the United Arab Emirates with a resounding 3-0 win in the other semi-final.
Statistics show that Saudi Arabia dominated possession with 65% compared to Jordan’s 35%, yet they struggled to break down Jordan’s disciplined defense, which successfully limited clear goal-scoring opportunities for the Green Falcons.
The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Nizar Al Rashdan scored with a powerful header from a precise cross delivered by captain Mahmoud Al Mardi. This goal marked a historic achievement for Jordan, who executed a well-planned game strategy to outmaneuver their opponents.
Saudi Arabia intensified their efforts to equalize, but their mission became increasingly challenging in the fifth minute of stoppage time when defender Walid Al Ahmed received a red card for a foul on Jordan’s Ali Olwan, who was breaking away toward goal.
Initially, Saudi Arabia controlled the game and applied pressure, particularly in the opening stages. However, Jordan effectively utilized counter-attacks, thwarting Saudi advances. A notable moment in the first half occurred in the 39th minute when Saudi players appealed for a penalty after a potential handball, but after a VAR review, the referee only awarded a corner, which did not yield any results.
Jordan emerged from halftime with renewed attacking vigor, culminating in Al Rashdan’s pivotal header. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia narrowly missed an equalizer in the 70th minute when Feras Al Brikan’s powerful attempt from a Salem Al Dawsari cross was expertly saved by Jordan’s goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila.
As the match approached its conclusion, both teams exchanged attacks, with standout performances from goalkeepers Nawaf Al Aqidi and Abu Laila. Saudi Arabia squandered a late chance in the 87th minute when Saleh Al Shehri was unable to connect with a long pass from Musab Al Juwayr while on a breakaway.
Prior to the match, Jordan’s players expressed solidarity for teammate Yazan Al Naimat by posing for a team photograph holding his shirt. Al Naimat is currently sidelined due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during their quarter-final triumph over Iraq.