Late strike sinks Hussein Irbid as Sepahan tops the Asian group in AFC Champions League 2
25 November 2025
Match snapshot
Hussein Irbid, the Jordanian club, suffered their first defeat in the AFC Champions League 2, losing 0-2 away to Sepahan of Iran in the fifth round of Group Three on Tuesday evening.
Sepahan took the lead through Aria Yousifi in the 73rd minute and sealed the victory with a second goal by Mohammad Asghari in stoppage time (90+4).
With the result, Hussein Irbid stay on six points, occupying second place, while Sepahan rise to the top with seven points.
A final group stage match remains as Hussein Irbid host Ahal Turkmenistan on December 23 to decide the group winner; both teams already advance to the knockout rounds.
Match events and context
The contest featured a cautious opening, with Hussein Irbid defending resolutely in the first half and trying to deny space to Sepahan.
Sepahan’s attempts to break through were met with resilience for long periods, until a late sequence gave them the edge: a precise finish by Yousifi in the 73rd minute and a late strike by Asghari that wrapped up the win.
In the second half, Hussein Irbid made changes to inject energy, bringing on Ali Hajbi and Latier Fal as the team pressed for an equalizer, while Sepahan brought in fresh legs to sustain pressure and protect their lead.
Sepahan’s persistence paid off when a defensive miscue allowed Yousifi to unleash a powerful shot that found the net, followed by Asghari’s solo effort capitalizing on a momentary lapse in transition to seal the result.
Before kickoff, Hussein Irbid had publicly supported their teammate Louie Kakouri, who was sidelined by an ACL injury, underscoring the squad’s solidarity as they chase success in Asia.
Post-match reactions
Coach Kim Matchado of Hussein Irbid praised his players for their effort and defended the defensive discipline shown in the first half, noting that fatigue in the final 15 minutes affected their shape as the Iranian team intensified the attack.
As for Sepahan, the win reinforced their position atop the group, with both teams already assured of an eighth-final berth, setting up a final, potentially determining clash in late December.
Hussein Irbid is one of Jordan’s most storied clubs, founded in 1964 and known for its passionate northern-sourced fanbase. The club has a history of developing young talent and competing at a high level in the Jordanian Pro League, with a tradition of strong community support and a famous yellow-kit identity that earned them the nickname “the Yellow Army.”
In football terms, the team has built a reputation for balanced play, leaning on a mix of veterans and youth while maintaining an ambitious outlook for continental success. The squad’s administration has pursued improvements to facilities and organization to meet professional standards as they aim for continued growth in the AFC landscape.
Looking ahead, Hussein Irbid will look to rebound in their final group game against Ahal Turkmenistan to close the group on a high, while Sepahan will attempt to seal the perfect path through the group and consolidate their lead heading into the knockout rounds.
