Nashama Stuns the Greens: Jordan Edges Saudi U23 in AFC Cup Thriller
9 January 2026
Match Report
Saudi Green fall to Nashama
The Saudi Under-23s were edged 2-3 by their Jordanian counterparts on Friday evening, in the second round of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup, a tense clash packed with late drama.
As a result, the Green's point tally stayed at three, leaving them second in the group behind Vietnam on goal difference, while Jordan sat third as the final round looms.
Saudi started well, with Rakan Al-Ghamdi opening the scoring in the 19th minute, before Jordan equalised through Mohammed Al-Mugrabi in a swift counter-attack.
Right before halftime, Jordan pressed on and added a second in stoppage time, taking a 2-1 lead at the break.
In the second half, the Green fought back as Musab Al-Juair levelled in the 60th minute, but Mohammad Al-Deeb struck in the 73rd to hand Jordan the win, a match decided by a few key moments.
Saudi Arabia will wrap up the group with a tough game against Vietnam on Monday, aiming to secure a win and a knockout place, while hoping other results go their way.
Punchline 1: If football were a stand-up routine, that comeback would be the punchline—minus the mic drop. Punchline 2: Next time, the script might write itself—just add VAR and a plot twist.
