• Two first-half goals decide the match

The Jordan U-20 women’s national football team stumbled in their opening match of the North African Women’s Football Union Championship, losing 2-0 to Algeria on Friday afternoon at the Sousse Olympic Stadium in Tunisia.

This match marked the start of Group B in the first round of the tournament.

The first half was balanced, with Jordan creating several attacking chances that showed good buildup play, but they lacked the final touch to score. As the half progressed, Algeria began to impose pressure and capitalize on opportunities:

• Algeria opened the scoring in the 30th minute.

• They added a second goal in stoppage time of the first half (40+2), ending the half 2-0 in favor of Algeria.

In the second half, Jordan tried to reduce the deficit through several chances, especially by Haya Abu Ali and substitute Dana Abu Hazim, but the attacking efforts were unsuccessful.

Despite the loss, goalkeeper Sajida Isa stood out by saving a late penalty, preventing a larger margin. The match ultimately ended 2-0 for Algeria.

Next challenge against Morocco and competition for the top spots

Jordan’s lineup included: Sajida Isa, Rama Al-Khashouk, Marah Abbas, Ranim Al-Daoud, Mira Jarrar, Riana Isa, Hala Marar (Lamar Ibrahim), Diana Al-Khawaja, Arwa Al-Battaina (Mira Al-Atari), Kinda Al-Titi, and Haya Abu Ali (Dana Abu Hazim).

The team will face Morocco at 4:30 PM Jordan time on Sunday, November 30, at Sousse Olympic Stadium in a decisive match to conclude the first round.

According to the tournament rules, the group winners advance to the final to determine the champion, while the runners-up face off for second place. This means a win against Morocco is essential to compete for second or third place in the African tournament.

This participation is an important step to raise the team’s physical and technical level ahead of the U-20 Women’s Asian Cup finals next April in Thailand, where Jordan will face a very challenging group.