Jordan snatch late win to lead AFC U20 Asian Cup qualifying

Jordan scored a dramatic injury-time winner to defeat Bahrain 2-1 in their AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifier on Thursday. The victory, secured by Saoud Abu Zaid's late strike, gives coach Ibrahim Jaber's side a perfect six points and a three-point lead at the top of Group D.

Tajikistan also secured a commanding win, beating Afghanistan 4-1 in the day's earlier match. The results set up a important group decider between Tajikistan and Jordan on Sunday, while Bahrain will face Afghanistan needing a win and other results to go their way to have any chance of progression. Only the group winner is guaranteed a spot in the final tournament.

Tajikistan dominate Afghanistan

The match between Tajikistan and Afghanistan saw a cautious opening before Tajikistan took control. Abdulloh Sharopov opened the scoring in the 19th minute, chesting home a deflected cutback from Furqon Rahimzoda. Captain Rustam Kamolov doubled the lead just three minutes later with a shot from the left that beat goalkeeper Hamid Amiri.

Afghanistan found a response on the half-hour mark. Habibullah Hotak tapped in from close range after a cutback from Zarif Amini. Tajikistan restored their two-goal cushion before halftime, however, with Mehrubon Odilzoda slipping the ball past Amiri in the 37th minute.

Afghanistan pushed in the second half but could not find another goal. Tajikistan sealed the comprehensive win in the 88th minute when striker Asadbek Makhtomov outjumped his marker to head home.

Jordan edge Bahrain with last-minute strike

The later match between Jordan and Bahrain was a tightly contested affair. Jordan started brightly, with Zuhier Handomeh and Naser Dajani both going close early on. Bahrain grew into the game, with Ahmed Al Humood missing a clear one-on-one chance in the 31st minute.

Jordan broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Dajani powered in a header from a corner, beating goalkeeper Abdulla Abdo. Bahrain responded resiliently, leveling the score in the 76th minute through defender Bader Al Asam, who headed in an Ali Naser free-kick.

The match seemed destined for a draw until the fourth minute of added time. Saoud Abu Zaid arrived unmarked on the left side of the box and fired home to secure a vital three points for Jordan. According to the AFC match report, Ahmad Albeetar had missed a golden chance to win it for Jordan just moments before Abu Zaid's decisive intervention.

Group D standings and final fixtures

The results leave Jordan clear at the top of the group with two wins. The final round of matches will determine which team qualifies automatically for the AFC U20 Asian Cup China 2027.

Jordan now faces Tajikistan on Sunday in a direct showdown for top spot. Bahrain will play Afghanistan, needing a large victory and hoping for a draw in the other match to have any chance of advancing.