Algeria staged a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 at Levi's Stadium, thanks to a late winner from Amine Gouiri.
Both nations entered this crucial World Cup group fixture desperate for points after opening-day defeats. Jordan aimed to build on their defensive resilience, while Algeria sought to control the game and kickstart their tournament campaign.
Algeria controlled the early tempo and passed the ball with confidence. However, Jordan defended deeply in a compact low block, restricting their opponents to long-range efforts that failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
Jordan shocked the favorites by taking the lead in the 36th minute. Nizar Al Rashdan found space outside the penalty area and drilled a powerful shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The Desert Foxes scrambled to find an immediate response before the interval but struggled to break through. Their frustration showed in the 44th minute when Ramiz Zerrouki received a yellow card for a mistimed tackle.
Jordan went into the break with a surprise lead. However, they knew holding off the Algerian attack in the second half would require an even greater defensive effort.
Algeria dominated possession after the restart, forcing Jordan to defend deep inside their own box. The pressure mounted quickly, and Jordan defender Haitham Abu Dahab received a yellow card in the 64th minute.
The equalizer arrived in the 69th minute. Substitute Ahmed Nadhir Benbouali met a precise cross from Riyad Mahrez and guided home a brilliant header to level the score.
With just eight minutes remaining, the comeback was complete. Amine Gouiri seized on a loose ball inside the penalty area and fired a low shot past Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila.
Algeria dominated the match statistics, controlling 72 percent of possession and creating 1.81 expected goals (xG). They registered 17 total shots, forcing Jordan goalkeeper Abu Laila to make six impressive saves to keep the score respectable.
This vital victory revives Algeria's World Cup campaign and keeps their knockout stage dreams alive. Meanwhile, Jordan face a difficult path forward after suffering their second consecutive defeat in the tournament.
