AMMAN — Jordan opened their Arab Cup campaign with an important 2–1 win over the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday at Al Bayt Stadium in Khor, Qatar, securing the top spot in Group C after the first round of matches.

 

Jordan started aggressively, and the momentum shifted early when UAE defender Khaled Al Dhahnani received a straight red card in the 18th minute for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

 

The foul came after Yazan Naimat broke through the defense, drawing what would be the first of two penalties he was involved in throughout the match.

 

Just two minutes later, Jordan capitalised on the numerical advantage. Ali Olwan struck in the 20th minute, giving the Nashama a well-earned lead.

 

Naimat continued to be a constant threat, earning another penalty in the 39th minute after a powerful run into the box. However, Olwan missed from the spot, keeping the score 1–0 at halftime despite Jordan controlling most of the chances.

 

The second half began with an unexpected twist, as UAE equalized in the 47th minute through Bruno De Oliveira, who finished clinically after a quick attacking move.

 

Jordan remained composed and continued to press forward. Their persistence paid off in the 63rd minute when Nizar Rashdan delivered a perfectly weighted pass behind the UAE backline.

 

UAE goalkeeper Al Maqbali rushed out, but Naimat reacted decisively, rounding the keeper and slotting the ball into an empty net to restore Jordan’s lead.

 

With the win, Jordan move to first place in Group C with three points, ahead of Egypt and Kuwait who drew on Tuesday, while UAE remain fourth.

 

Jordan will next face Kuwait on Saturday at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium at 2:00 PM, a match that could prove crucial in determining the group’s final standings.