• Jordan U17 national team earns a narrow 1-0 victory over Palestine in West Asia tournament
• Two missed penalties and strong goalkeeping added drama to the match, but Suleiman Alayan’s goal secured the win

The first half ended in a goalless draw, with both teams enjoying periods of dominance and several scoring opportunities, but the goalkeepers’ outstanding performances kept the score at 0-0

The Jordan U17 national team began its campaign in the West Asia Football Federation tournament, held in Aqaba, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Palestinian side

The match took place on Monday, October 27, at Aqaba Stadium, as part of Group B fixtures

Despite the win, the match featured significant drama as Jordan missed two penalties in the second half, both brilliantly saved by the Palestinian goalkeeper. The only goal of the game was scored by Suleiman Alayan

Golden goal and penalty drama

The first half ended 0-0, with both teams creating chances, but the goalkeepers’ form prevented any breakthrough

Early in the second half, Jordan intensified its attack and took only three minutes to capitalize. In the 48th minute, substitute Laith Al-Rabei delivered a brilliant through ball to striker Suleiman Alayan, who confidently beat the Palestinian goalkeeper to score the winning goal

Jordan continued pressing offensively, and Alayan nearly doubled the lead with a direct free kick that struck the crossbar

The remaining minutes were highly tense. Jordan earned its first penalty in the 72nd minute after Osama Al-Johari was fouled in the box, but the Palestinian goalkeeper made a brilliant save. In stoppage time, Jordan was awarded a second penalty, which was again denied by the Palestinian goalkeeper, leaving the score at 1-0

Step toward the semifinals

With this victory, Jordan collected its first three points in Group B, which also includes Syria and Palestine. Jordan will face Syria in a decisive group stage match at 6 PM on Friday, October 31, at Aqaba Stadium

The tournament features seven teams. Group A includes Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Kuwait. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals

This tournament is part of the Jordan U17 team’s preparations for the upcoming AFC U17 Championship qualifiers, scheduled from November 22 to 30, where Jordan is drawn in Group E alongside Australia, Iraq, the Philippines, and Bhutan

Players who represented Jordan in the match: Azad Yaish, Ahmed Badran (Bisher Marqa), Faisal Abu Dahim, Nour Al-Din Amro, Ahmed Al-Kharabsheh (Mohammad Al-Omrah), Osama Al-Johari (Mamdouh Abu Saad), Ahmed Al-Mara’ah (Laith Al-Rabei), Suleiman Alayan, Mohammad Khalil, Amir Al-Louzi, and Yazan Qaddadeh