(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Jordan remained unbeaten and marched into the knockout stage with a goalless draw over Palestine in the final Group B match of the AFC Asian Cup 2019.
It was a box-to-box encounter and both teams had their moments. Early on, midfielder Ahmad Ersan and striker Ahmed Saleh combined to produce the first attack for Jordan. Palestine responded through Abdallatif Al Bahdari who was the chief tormentor throughout the match.
Jordan midfielder Baha Abdel Rahman tested keeper Rami Hamada with a long ranger. There were more attempts through Saleh, Yasen Bakheet and Ersan but Jordan failed to break the deadlock as Palestine defended strongly.
Palestinian confidence grew after the half time and they showed more intent to going forward. Attacks flowed from Mahmoud Wadi, who had the best opportunity to convert but failed to find right contact and power.
At the end of the match, Palestine coach Noureddine Ould Ali sat rooted in his dug out wondering what went wrong. In the post-match press conference, Noureddine noted that he was very proud of his players as they can still qualify as the third-placed team.
"Our group is very difficult. We also have a team which has played the World Cup. It was a fact that Palestine will struggle against these teams. Despite all the difficulties we faced back home, we put a better performance. We still stand a chance depending on results of other teams. If we are lucky we will qualify. I am happy with the experience of my players."
We have good young players and have a good future."
He said the fear of defeat affected players' performance against Jordan.
"These players need to play more to gain experience. I hope the situation will be better in the future. But we are making debut so I am happy."
Meanwhile, Jordan coach Vital Borkelmans is basking in the glory of being an unbeaten side.
"If someone would have told me before the tournament that we will have seven points and three clean sheets, I would have said it's crazy."
Even though it's a draw, Borkelmans is satisfied with the result.
"We didn't need any points. They played very defensive but it was difficult. My boys were a bit stretched in the second half. My boys are positive about doing well in next game. The expectations have risen," the coach added.
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