Phnom Penh: Jordan confirmed their place at the Finals of the AFC Asian Cup 2019 in the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday when a solitary goal from Munther Abu Amarah sealed a 1-0 win over Cambodia.
Victory means the west Asian nation have guaranteed they will finish in the top two positions in Group C and will now face off against Vietnam on Matchday Six with top spot at stake.
Jordan started the qualifier at the Olympic Stadium the brightest with the ball spending plenty of time well inside the Cambodian half.
Cambodia, who started the game without mercurial winger Chan Vathanaka, went behind in the 17th minute of the game.
Munther Abu Amarah seized on a scything ball into the box from midfielder Rajaei Ayed Fadal Hasan to tap home from 10 yards out, with Cambodian defenders Soeuy Visal and Rous Samoeun at fault for allowing the pacey forward in for the game's opener.
In a quiet first period for the hosts, substitute Vathanaka came closest to equalising with four minutes of the half remaining, his swinging free-kick destined for the top right corner if not for a smart fingertip save from Jordan keeper Ahmad Nawas.
Hoping for goals in the second half, Cambodia coach Prak Sovannara attempted to add some attacking impetus by bringing on attacker Prak Mony Udom and the Svay Rieng midfielder was one of few to show flashes of skill in an otherwise unremarkable second period for Sovannara’s men.
The hosts did, however, have keeper Sou Yaty to thank for keeping the score down, the Boeung Ket custodian keeping out efforts from Mahmoud Al Mardi, Baha' Faisal Mohammad and Fadal Hasan.
Ultimately, a single first half strike was enough to hand Jordan all three points and maintain their position at the top of Group C while Cambodia’s Asian Cup qualification hopes have come to an end.
Photos: AFC
Source: the-afc.com