Jordan

This is Jordan’s fifth appearance in the last six editions of the Asian Cup.

What to expect

Four years ago they got to the round of 16 and twice before that reached the quarter-finals. For years before the turn of the Millennium they consistently failed to qualify because of internal turmoil. But once they witnessed something of a renaissance, it was all systems go, 2007 being their only failure to reach the finals in the last 19 years.

Jordan ended 2023 with six defeats in seven games but will be buoyed by a recent come-from-behind victory against hosts Qatar in a friendly. They may be underdogs but don’t rule them out. In the lead-up to the 2019 tournament, Jordan had recorded a single win in their previous nine games before recording shock upsets of Australia and Syria at the finals.

Star players

With goalkeeper Amr Shafei having retired and the industrious midfield of Saeed Murjan, Bahaa Abdel Rahman and Yaseen Al-Bakhit also gone, that effectively wipes out 500 caps of experience.  But keep an eye out for Montpellier winger Mousa Al-Tamari, the first of his countrymen to play in France, and one of the few Jordanian players to make it in any of Europe’s major leagues. Having also played in Belgium and Cyprus, he currently has a market value of €6 million – way more than any of his compatriots.

Manager

In Hussein Ammouta, Jordan have someone with vast experience of both playing and coaching. The problem is results do not inspire confidence. Can the Moroccan turn things around in Qatar?

Schedule

Monday Jan 15, 8.30 pm, Jordan vs Malaysia, Al Janoub stadium

Saturday Jan 20, 11.30 am Jordan vs South Korea, Al Thoumama stadium

Thursday Jan 25, 2.30pm Jordan vs Bahrain, Khalifa international stadium

Squad