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Nashama beat Asia Cup Champions

King congratulates Prince Ali, national football team over 1-0 win

By JT , Reuters - Jan 06,2019 - Last updated at Jan 06,2019

His Majesty King Abdullah and HRH Crown Prince Hussein watch the match between Jordan and Australia on Sunday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

Al AIN/AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday called HRH Prince Ali, president of the Jordan Football Association, and congratulated him on the 1-0 victory of Jordan’s national football team over cup-holders Australia in its debut match in the UAE-hosted 2019 Asian Cup.

His Majesty conveyed his greetings to the players and the technical and administrative personnel, expressing his pride in the Nashama and voicing hope that the team will make further progress in the tournament, according to a Royal Court statement. 

Australia made the worst possible start to the defence of its Asian Cup crown on Sunday as Graham Arnold's Socceroos were handed a 1-0 defeat by Jordan’s Nashama.

The Australians, who won the title on home soil four years ago, dominated for long spells but were unable to find a way to cancel out Anas Bani Yaseen's 26th minute header in the Group B clash at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

Jordan was resolute in defence against an Australia side that struggled to turn the domination into chances. The Socceroos went into halftime trailing by a goal and were fortunate not to be further behind.

Bani Yaseen put his side in front when he was given the time and space to head Baha Abdelrahman's corner home unchallenged, powering the ball beyond the flat-footed Maty Ryan.

Four minutes later Abdelrahman almost added a second when his free-kick from the edge of the area speared towards goal, only for Ryan to push the ball onto the woodwork before it was cleared.

For all its possession in the opposition half, Australia crafted few clear-cut opportunities, with Awer Mabil's shot coming back of goalkeeper Amer Shafi's legs and Jamie MacLaren heading high over the bar.

Mabil hit the woodwork late in the second half as Australia grew increasingly desperate to find an equaliser and Shafi was kept busy until the final kick of the game, but Jordan held on for a famous win.

Australia next faces Palestine on January 11 while Jordan will take on Syria.

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