The action started frantically, with Algeria’s Amine Gouiri having an early effort that went wide of the mark. Jordan, who had to avoid defeat in order to stave off elimination, saw Mousa Tamari go for goal from distance, but his attempt went straight at Luca Zidane.
Subsequently, Algeria moved into the ascendancy and could have taken the lead when Riyad Mahrez picked up the ball in a promising position, yet he was unable to get a shot off. Gouiri was then involved once more later in the opening half, but could only direct his strike into Yazeed Abulaila’s arms, while the latter also thwarted Mahrez as the African outfit moved through the gears.
Nevertheless, about 10 minutes before the break and against the run of play, Jordan took the lead. Tamari initially appeared to have wasted the opportunity as he miskicked Mahmoud Al Mahri’s cross, but Nizar Al Rashdan was on hand to fire it home.
Algeria, looking to avoid a second consecutive defeat and therefore an early exit from the competition, made the brighter start after the interval, with Ibrahim Maza the first to test Abulaila before firing over the crossbar. Jordan, though, still provided a threat at the other end, as Noor Al Rawabdeh curled an effort narrowly beyond the top corner.
Ultimately, Algeria’s pressure told, and they equalised shortly prior to the second hydration break when Nadir Benbouali rose highest to nod in Mahrez’s corner.
With full-time approaching, the Desert Warriors remained on top and finally took the lead when Gouiri got the final touch at another corner, although a VAR check was required to confirm the goal.
Despite their best efforts, Jordan were unable to provide much in response and now know that their next clash, against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, will be their last of the tournament.
Still, they can be proud of their battling display for large parts of this encounter. Algeria, meanwhile, face Austria in a direct clash to determine who will finish behind the Albiceleste.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria)