Algeria defeated Jordan 2-1 in the early hours of this Tuesday (23), in Santa Clara, and remained with a chance of qualifying for the knockout stages of the 2026 World Cup.
The Asians, who are competing in the tournament for the first time in history, took the lead thanks to Nizar Al-Rashdan’s goal. Later, in the second half, Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri, in two aerial plays, declared the Africans’ comeback at Levi’s Stadium.
With the result, the Algerians added their first three points in , after their debut defeat against . Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s team returns to the pitch looking to secure their place in the round of 16 on Saturday (27), at 11pm (Brasília time), against Austria, in Kansas City.
Jordan, in turn, ended up eliminated after suffering the second consecutive setback in this edition. The country closes its campaign on the same date and time, against the South Americans, in Dallas.
How was the game?
The match started with Jordan facing danger in the first minute, with a header sent off by midfielder Nizar Al-Rashdan. Next, Algeria responded with center forward Amine Gouiri, who turned in the area and finished to the right of the rival’s goal.
Later, in the 12th minute, winger Musa Al-Taamari took a risk from the edge of the area and goalkeeper Luca Zidane made the save calmly. At 20, winger Riyad Mahrez received a free kick in the area, but was unable to shoot and the defense cleared the danger.
The Algerians were again in danger at the 33-minute mark. Mahrez was released at speed, invaded the area and hit goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila. Shortly afterwards, it was the Jordanians who took the lead in the confrontation. Winger Mohannad Abu Taha crossed low, Al-Taamari punctured and the ball fell to Al-Rashdan, who finished in the corner to take the score off.
Needing a result, Algeria returned from the break to attack in search of a draw. In the ninth minute, midfielder Ibrahim Maza tried from outside the area and forced Yazeed Abulaila to make a great save. On the other hand, Jordan had freedom to attack in transitions and wasted some arrivals in counterattack situations.
Algeria’s insistence paid off and the African country equalized in the 24th minute. Mahrez crossed into the box and center forward Nadhir Benbouali headed it firmly to leave everything equal.
Vladimir Petkovic’s men continued to press and managed to turn things around in the 37th minute. Corner taken in the area, deflection in the middle of the way and Gouiri took advantage of the space in the small area to put the ball in the net. Final result: 2 to 1 in favor of Algeria in Santa Clara.
