Ammouta: Jordan can walk tall despite final heartbreak

Lusail, Qatar - The title eluded Jordan but Hussein Ammouta only had words of praise and encouragement for his players after their defeat to Qatar in the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™ final on Saturday.

Having gatecrashed the final with a series of scintillating performances, Jordan could produce only some of the form that had taken them within one match of winning the title as Qatar powered to their second successive title with a 3-1 win.

“There is only great pride in my players as they had a great tournament. They played very well in getting us into the final,” said Ammouta.

“However, our performance in the first half (of the final) was a bit of a struggle as our crosses, passes were not accurate. We improved in the second half and drew level but then conceded two penalties.

“The penalties made it very difficult but the players tried their best and we have to accept that mistakes will happen in matches.”

After a first half of limited chances but - crucially - an Akram Afif penalty which Qatar the lead, Jordan started the second period with more drive and purpose and were rewarded with Yazan Al Naimat drawing them level in the 67th minute.

Qatar, however, refused to panic and had Jordan on the backfoot again after that, with Afif netting another two goals from the penalty spot for the victory

“We certainly wanted much more but it wasn't to be but there is so much that the players can take from here. They have opened new horizons and it is crucial that the players build on this.”

Jordan will now turn their focus to the Preliminary Joint Qualification - Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027, with the action to resume in March.

They have some work to do, having collected just a point from their opening two matches with a double header against Pakistan coming up.

“We have created a new level and the key thing now is to continue improving the technical and physical aspects.”

There is only great pride in my players as they had a great tournament. They played very well in getting us into the final HUSSEIN AMMOUTA