IRBID — Defending champions Hussein retained the CFI Jordan Pro League title for the third consecutive season after overcoming rivals Faisali 1-0 on Friday at Al Hassan Stadium in the final week of the league campaign.

 

Entering the decisive clash, Hussein led the standings with 59 points, knowing that either a draw or a victory would be enough to secure the championship, while Faisali, on 56 points, needed a win to grab the title.

 

Both sides started cautiously in front of a packed crowd dominated by Hussein supporters, although the hosts enjoyed slightly more possession in the opening stages.

 

Hussein made their first clear opportunity count in the 13th minute when Reziq Bani Hani rose highest to head home past Faisali goalkeeper Nour Bani Attiah, who managed to get a hand to the ball but could not prevent it from crossing the line.

 

Faisali responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Their first real threat came in the 28th minute through Ahmad Ersan, whose long-range effort was comfortably collected by Hussein goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.

 

The visitors appealed for a penalty in the 39th minute after the ball struck Hussein defender Abdullah Naseeb’s hand inside the area, but the referee waved play on, judging the contact to be unintentional.

 

Faisali finished the first half strongly and nearly levelled in stoppage time when Fadel Haikal connected with a dangerous header, only for Abulaila to produce an important save to preserve Hussein’s lead heading into the break.

 

The opening stages of the second half were dominated by physical battles and strong tackles as tension rose with the title on the line. Faisali controlled more possession after the interval, while Hussein relied on counterattacks and slowed the tempo whenever possible to protect their advantage.

 

Despite Faisali’s pressure, Hussein’s defence remained organised throughout the closing stages. The hosts also created several dangerous counterattacks, but Bani Attiah kept Faisali in the contest with a series of solid saves.

 

Hussein eventually held firm until the final whistle to move to 62 points and officially retain the league crown for a third straight season.

 

The 73rd edition of the Jordanian Pro League featured a new competition format this season, with the number of clubs reduced to 10 and the campaign played across three stages instead of the traditional two.

 

The Jordan Football Association also increased prize money for the competition, with champions Hussein receiving JD100,000, while runners-up Faisali earned JD50,000.