Algeria kept their FIFA World Cup dreams alive on Monday, battling back from a first-half deficit to defeat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial Group J encounter at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Second-half goals from substitutes and set-piece opportunities proved decisive as Nadhir Benobuali and Amine Gouiri scored after the break to overturn Jordan’s lead and earn Algeria three vital points. The victory leaves Algeria with a chance to advance to the Round of 32, with a decisive final group-stage showdown against Austria set to determine who joins Argentina in progressing from Group J.
The match began at a frantic pace, with Jordan nearly taking the lead inside the opening minute. Nizar Al Rashdan connected with a free kick delivery but headed wide as both sides looked dangerous in the early exchanges.
Algeria controlled much of the possession throughout the first half, patiently probing for openings while Jordan remained dangerous on the counterattack. Veteran captain Riyad Mahrez, restored to the starting lineup, was heavily involved in Algeria’s attacking efforts. The former Manchester City and Leicester City star saw one promising opportunity slip away before getting a shot on target that was comfortably smothered by Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.
Amine Gouiri and Farès Chaïbi also tested Jordan’s defense, but it was the tournament debutants who struck first after 35 minutes. A dangerous attack ended with the ball falling kindly to Al Rashdan after a mishit clearance. The Jordanian midfielder made no mistake, firing a low shot that deflected off a defender’s heel and squeezed beyond the reach of goalkeeper Luca Zidane to give Jordan a 1-0 advantage.
Jordan entered halftime with momentum and appeared content to sit deep and protect their lead during much of the second period. Algeria, however, responded with relentless pressure, led by the energetic Ibrahim Maza, who repeatedly troubled the Jordanian back line.
Jordan still threatened on the break, with Noor Al Rawabdeh sending a chance wide, but Algeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 68th minute. Mahrez delivered a pinpoint corner kick into the penalty area, where substitute Nadhir Benobuali rose above the defense and powered a header into the net to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer shifted the momentum completely in Algeria’s favor as they pushed for a winner. Their breakthrough arrived from another set piece with just minutes remaining. Following another dangerous corner, a header was flicked across the face of goal and Gouiri pounced from close range. Initially flagged for offside, the goal was reviewed by VAR, which confirmed the striker had timed his run perfectly and was onside.
The decision sparked celebrations among the Algerian players and supporters as Gouiri’s goal completed the comeback and secured a dramatic 2-1 victory.
The result ends Jordan’s hopes of reaching the Round of 32 in their first World Cup appearance, while Algeria remain firmly in the hunt for a knockout berth. With Argentina already leading the group, all eyes now turn to Algeria’s decisive clash against Austria, where a place in the knockout stage will be on the line.
For Algeria, the comeback showcased the resilience and attacking quality that have long defined the Desert Foxes. For Jordan, despite the disappointment, the tournament debutants can take pride in a spirited performance that pushed one of Africa’s traditional powers to the limit.
