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Penalty Duel Ends Jordan's U23 Asian Cup Run Against Japan

16 January 2026

Penalty Duel Ends Jordan's U23 Asian Cup Run Against Japan
Jordan U23 in action against Japan during the Asia Cup quarterfinal

Match Recap

The Jordan Olympic team bowed out of the Under-23 Asia Cup after a 2-4 shootout loss to Japan, following a 1-1 draw in quarterfinal in Saudi Arabia.

Ali Al-Azayzeh put Jordan ahead in 30th minute, but Japan equalized in 51st after a shot by Shusuke Furuya, which Ali Hajbi turned into the net.

The stalemate lasted 120 minutes, and teams went to penalties, with Japan winning after Ryōn Itchihara, Yutaka Michiyoki, Ryōki Sato, and Tokumo Kawawi converted.

Jordan's scorers in shootout were Saleh Frij and Al-Fakhouri, while Taha and Al-Shatti missed.

Japan advanced to the semifinals with the win, while the UAE face Vietnam in the same round; Uzbekistan meets China and Australia faces Korea there.

Jordan bowed out in the quarterfinal under Moroccan coach Omar Najhi.

Punchline: penalties are mean.

Final joke: still undefeated.

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final result of the match?

A 1-1 draw, followed by a 2-4 loss for Jordan on penalties to Japan.

Who scored for Jordan and how did Japan equalize?

Ali Al-Azayzeh scored for Jordan; Japan equalized via an Ali Hajbi own goal after a shot by Shusuke Furuya.

Who advanced to the semifinals from this tie?

Japan advanced to the semifinals; other quarterfinals involved UAE, Uzbekistan, and Australia in different matchups.

Who scored for Japan in the shootout?

Japan converted all four shots by Ryōn Itchihara, Yutaka Michiyoki, Ryōki Sato, and Tokumo Kawawi.