Late Jordan winner sinks Bahrain

TDT | Manama

Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 defeat to Jordan last night after conceding deep into stoppage time in their second AFC U20 Asian Cup 2027 qualifier at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Isa Town.

The kingdom’s junior men looked to have rescued a point when Bader Al Asam cancelled out Naser Majdi’s opener in the second half, only for substitute Saoud Feras to snatch the winner in the closing moments.

The result leaves Ali Aamer’s side on three points from two matches following their opening 3-2 victory over Tajikistan, while Jordan moved clear at the top of Group D with six.

Tajikistan are also on three after beating Afghanistan 4-1 earlier in the day at the same venue, leaving the nationals’ qualification hopes resting on Sunday’s final round of matches.

Aamer’s men face winless Afghanistan at 8.30pm, after Jordan take on Tajikistan at 5pm, with both games again at Khalifa Sports City Stadium.

The Bahrainis had opportunities to take control of last night’s encounter during a goalless first half.

Jordan, coached by Ibrahim Jaber, tested goalkeeper Abdulla Abdo early on before the home side gradually grew into the contest.

Their clearest chance of the opening period came in the 30th minute, when Jordan’s Iyad Ismail mistimed a clearance, allowing Ahmed AlHumood to race through on goal.

AlHumood found himself one-on-one with Mohammed Salem, but the Jordan goalkeeper made himself big and produced an important close-range save to keep the scores level.

The visitors eventually broke the deadlock in the 58th minute from a set-piece, with Mohammad Mustafa delivering a corner for Majdi to head home.

Jordan could have doubled their advantage in the 71st minute were it not for a superb sequence of saves from Abdo.

The Bahrain goalkeeper first kept out an effort from outside the area before producing another fine stop from Majdi at close range, tipping his effort onto the crossbar.

He then reacted quickly to deal with the rebound and complete a sensational triple save.

Five minutes later, the nationals were level.

Ali Husain delivered an inviting set-piece from the right and Al Asam met it with a header to make it 1-1.

Bahrain appeared on course to earn a point, but Jaber’s side struck again deep into stoppage time.

Captain Mohammad Ahmad showed composure to escape his markers on the right side of the penalty area before sending a low ball across goal.

The home defence failed to clear the danger and Feras met the ball first time; his shot deflected off Amjad Jaafar before flying into the roof of the net.

Bahrain pushed desperately for another equaliser and appealed for a penalty in the dying moments, but their calls went unanswered as Al Nashama held on for all three points.

The kingdom’s youngsters will now look to beat Afghanistan on Sunday and move to six points, which would strengthen their chances of reaching the continental finals for the first time since 2016. The outcome of Jordan’s meeting with Tajikistan will also shape the final Group D standings.

The eight group winners and seven best runners-up advance to next year’s AFC U20 Asian Cup in China, which will be held from March 24 to April 10, 2027.