JOR 1-0 IRN: Jordan revive qualification hope

AMMAN – Amer Deeb scored with 11 minutes remaining as Jordan edged out Iran 1-0 in Sunday's 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier to throw the qualification picture in Group E wide open.

Amer Deeb converted from close range following a late spell of pressure from the home side as Jordan picked up a first win of the campaign while handing Iran their first defeat.

With two games remaining, Iran remain at the top of the table with seven points and just a point clear of Singapore, with third-placed Thailand just a point further back and Jordan moving onto four points and firmly into contention.

At King Abdullah International Stadium, Jordan started brightly and came close to opening the scoring after just four minutes as Amer Deeb directed Hassouneh Al Sheikh's cross into the path of Mohammad Abdelhalim and he saw his shot saved by Iran goalkeeper Seyed Mahdi Rahmati.

Iran replied three minutes later when Iman Mobali made his way into the Jordan penalty area and fired over the crossbar.

Jordan's encouraging start continued although they were frustrated by the Iran defence until Amer Deeb fired just wide of the upright after 19 minutes.

Iran relied on counter-attacks to relieve the pressure and came close to opening the scoring 11 minutes later as Andranik Teymourian's header was saved by Jordan goalkeeper Amer Shafi.

Jordan coach Adnan Hamad introduced Abdallah Deeb in the second half with the home side needing to score to keep their qualification hopes alive, but it was Iran who nearly broke the deadlock six minutes after the break as Ehsan Haji Safi fired over the crossbar from close range.

Iran continued to improve and should have opened the scoring four minutes later when Pejman Nouri's powerful shot from outside the area was turned away by Shafi.

Jordan came the close to breaking the deadlock six minutes after the hour mark as Mohamad Jamal headed Amer Deeb's corner against the crossbar before Iran defender Hadi Aghily cleared off the line from Oday Al Saify.

The home side continued to press and Jordan finally took the lead as Al Saify crossed for Amer Deeb to convert from close range.

Jordan should have doubled their lead five minutes later but Iran goalkeeper Rahmati denied substitute Abdallah Deeb.

The-AFC