Jordan blank Pakistan 3-0 in the FIFA WC Qualifiers

By AZ Khan
ISLAMABAD: Jordan earned their first win in Group G of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ after they defeated Pakistan 3-0 on Thursday.
The AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ runners-up produced a clinical performance, going two up in the first 45 minutes before finishing the job in the second half to reignite their push for a place in the next stage, moving up to four points with the reverse fixture against Pakistan to come on Tuesday.
Jordan enjoyed a lightning start, going ahead after only two minutes from a free-kick with Mahmoud Al Mardi pushing the ball for Mousa Al Tamari on the turn, who then lashed home past Yousuf Ejaz.
Al Nashama continued on the offensive and doubled their lead in the ninth minute after Muhammad Umar brought down Yazan Al Naimat inside the box with Ali Olwan converting the resulting spot-kick, with Ejaz going the wrong way.
Jordan continued to create opportunities, Noor Al Rawabdeh sending captain Ehsan Haddad through but the defender sliced his effort wide from close range while Al Naimat’s header forced a reflex save from Ejaz.
Pakistan did manage to muster a shooting chance late in the half as Jordan’s clearance from a free-kick landed nicely for Alamgir Ali Khan who produced a powerful shot from almost 30 yards out but it was direct at custodian Yazeed Abulaila.
On the hour mark, the crowd at Jinnah Stadium thought a goal was forthcoming when a quick break saw Fareed Ullah through but the Pakistani forward slipped, allowing the Jordan defenders to clear the danger.
The home side continued to grow in confidence and went close to pulling a goal back in the 78th minute when Easah Sulaiman beat Haddad down the left and his cross found Waleed Khan in the middle who, however, scuffed his shot as Abulaila claimed the ball.
Jordan had a chance to add to their lead with nine minutes left on the clock through Al Tamari but his penalty was well saved by Ejad, however, the Montpellier forward redeemed himself in the 86th minute with a solo effort to confirm the points for the West Asian side