• National mission in Dubai: Al-Hussein face Iran’s Esteghlal under the banner of unity

Jordanian and Arab football fans will turn their attention on Tuesday evening to Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, UAE, where Al-Hussein take on Iran’s Esteghlal in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two round of 16.

Strong preparation and high morale

Al-Hussein, the sole Jordanian representative remaining in the continental competition, enter the clash determined to overcome the Iranian side and gain an advantage ahead of the return leg scheduled for 17 February in Amman.

The team wrapped up final preparations on Monday with a training session at the match venue under head coach Nii Franco, who focused on fine-tuning the lineup and tactical approach for the encounter.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Franco described the fixture as a major test against a technically strong and cohesive opponent, stressing that Al-Hussein are ready to impose their style and manage the game intelligently.

Defender Saad Al-Rosan added that the mindset of Jordanian players has evolved significantly, with ambitions now centered not merely on participation but on genuine competition and victory to present an image worthy of the nation.

Confirmed starting lineup

The coaching staff announced the starting XI as follows:

Goalkeeper: Yazid Abu Layla Defence: Saad Al-Rosan, Pedro Henrique, Saleem Obeid, Ahmad Assaf Midfield: Rajaei Ayed, Mohammad Abu Ghosh, Yousef Abu Jalboush, Mahmoud Al-Mardi Attack: Aref Al-Haj, Ashley Coffey

Nationwide backing for the representative

In a display of sporting unity, major Jordanian clubs rallied behind Al-Hussein on social media.

Clubs including Al-Wehdat, Al-Faisaly, Al-Ramtha, and Al-Arabi issued calls urging supporters and members of the Jordanian community in the UAE to fill the stands and back the team.

Al-Wehdat described support for Jordan’s representative as a national duty and a vital boost for the players, while Al-Faisaly supporters in the UAE called for standing united behind the side.

Al-Arabi, for its part, highlighted its strong fraternal ties with Al-Hussein and urged fans to be “the voice of Jordan in the stands,” reflecting national pride and solidarity on the continental stage.

The match comes amid clear progress for Jordanian clubs in Asian competitions, with Al-Hussein hoping to capitalize on strong morale and widespread support to secure a positive result in Dubai ahead of the decisive return leg in Amman.