Tunisia’s electrifying comeback: a 3-2 victory over Jordan in a spirited Tunisian friendly

Match recap

In a lively international friendly in Tunis on Friday, the Tunisian national team came from behind twice to beat Jordan 3-2 at the Hammadi Al-Aqabi Olympic Stadium, as both sides tune up for the Arab Cup in Qatar.

Jordan opened a two-goal lead through Yazan Al-Naimat in the 29th minute and Amar Abu Jamous in the 50th, but Tunisia struck back with an equalizer from Ali Al-Abidi in the 43rd and a 66th‑minute header by Montassar Talbi to level. Elias Saad sealed the win with a late finish in the 85th.

Jordan’s hopes suffered a blow when Mohannad Abu Taha was sent off in the 52nd minute, leaving the visitors with ten men for the remainder of the match.

From a Jordan perspective, Al-Naimat’s opener came after a through ball from Adham Al-Qurashi into the box, while Al-Abidi struck the equalizer following a cross from Omar Layiuni. Talbi’s late header from a corner pulled Tunisia level, and Saad’s composed strike after a pass from Ferjani Sassi sealed the victory for the hosts.

Jordan will play Mali in another friendly on Tuesday as coach Jamal Al‑Salmi tests his squad ahead of the final World Cup qualifiers and to assess players’ physical and technical readiness for the upcoming calendar.

Speaking ahead of the match, Al‑Salmi emphasized the aim of building a cohesive unit capable of competing with continent’s top sides, especially after Jordan’s historic World Cup qualification run. The camp will focus on harmony across the three lines and improving the attack while preserving the defense, with opportunities for new faces in time for African opposition in friendlies.

Jordan’s schedule continues with the World Cup build-up, while Tunisia are eyeing both the Arab Cup in Qatar and Africa Cup of Nations qualification in Morocco. Tunisia had already clinched a World Cup berth for the seventh time after defeating Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in September and are preparing to face Group A opponents including Qatar and the winner of Syria vs South Sudan and Palestine vs Libya in the Arab Cup group stage.

As for Tunisia’s longer-term targets, the team will seek to maintain form and cohesion across lines as they chase their evolving targets in 2025-2026—a period packed with continental and global competition.