Saudi Gazette report

DOHA — Saudi Arabia eliminated from Arab Cup 2025 on Monday night after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Jordan in the semi-final at Al Bayt Stadium, ending the Green Falcons’ hopes of reaching the final.

The result sent Jordan through to the Arab Cup final for the first time in their history, where they will face Morocco, who defeated the United Arab Emirates 3-0 in the other semi-final.

Despite applying sustained pressure for long spells, Saudi Arabia, under head coach Herve Renard, were unable to break down Jordan’s disciplined defensive structure, which proved decisive on a night where clear chances were at a premium.

The defeat raised concerns ahead of the Green Falcons’ participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

Jordan scored the match-winning goal in the 66th minute when Nizar Al Rashdan rose to head home a precise cross from captain Mahmoud Al Mardi.

Saudi Arabia pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but their task became more difficult in the fifth minute of stoppage time when defender Walid Al Ahmed was shown a red card after fouling Ali Olwan as the Jordan forward broke clear on goal.

The Saudi side began the match on the front foot and controlled possession early on, though Jordan responded with counter-attacks during the opening half hour.

Near the end of the first half, Saudi players appealed for a penalty in the 39th minute following a suspected handball, but after a VAR review the referee waved play on and awarded only a corner, which came to nothing.

Jordan emerged with greater attacking intent after the interval and were rewarded just past the hour mark with Al Rashdan’s header.

Saudi Arabia came close to drawing level in the 70th minute when Feras Al Brikan met a cross from Salem Al Dawsari with a powerful effort, only for Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila to produce a fine save.

Both teams continued to trade attacks in the closing stages, with goalkeepers Nawaf Al Aqidi and Abu Laila standing out.

Saudi Arabia missed a late opportunity in the 87th minute when Saleh Al Shehri failed to connect with a long pass from Musab Al Juwayr while through on goal.

Before kick-off, Jordan’s players posed for a team photograph holding the shirt of teammate Yazan Al Naimat, who is sidelined after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the quarter-final win over Iraq.