Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Muscat: Midfielder Oday Zahran is confident Jordan’s third place finish at the AFC U-22 Championship in Oman earlier this month will give Hossam Hassan’s side an advantage ahead of their crucial 2015 AFC Asian Cup qualifier against the Sultanate on Friday at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex.
Centre-back Tareq Khattab and forwards Oudi Al Qara and Monther Abu Amara as well as Zahran (pictured) all took part in the inaugural AFC U-22 Championship having been involved in Jordan’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Uruguay, while midfielder Ahmad Saleh also featured in Oman having helped Jordan reach the final of the 2013 WAFF Championship.
After posting an unbeaten record in the group stages which included a 1-0 victory over the tournament’s hosts, Jordan defeated the United Arab Emirates in the quarter-finals before coming unstuck against Saudi Arabia at the semi-final stage and being forced to settle for a third place finish after beating Korea Republic.
“Playing in the AFC U-22 Championship was very good for us to get used to playing in Oman, getting to know some of their players, the stadiums, and the conditions we will face,” said Shabab Al Ordon winger Zahran.
“I was in contact with the national team coach Hassan throughout the AFC U-22 Championship talking about the conditions and players; keeping him updated on everything going on and what we can expect.
“We played against the Oman team and beat them 1-0 in their own stadium. It was an important victory, we broke them, and effectively ended their chances to get out of the group stage - maybe it will serve as a first blow for the senior national team too.”
Jordan are currently five points behind already-qualified Oman in Group A, but with three games remaining, a win on Friday would mean the Jordanians require only a draw with Singapore at the start of February to confirm their place at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in Australia.
However, despite having already booked their place in Australia next year, Oman have added motivation ahead of the fixture having been pipped to a place in the play-offs for the 2014 FIFA World Cup following a 1-0 defeat in Amman on the final matchday of the qualifiers in June.
“We eliminated them from the World Cup qualifying, and I understand that whenever a team beat you, that you will want revenge and win,” added Zahran.
“But, as they’ve already qualified for Australia, we don’t think this motivation will be strong and it’s not something I worry about. For us it’s a more important match because three points could be enough to get us to the AFC Asian Cup and we don’t want any surprises or results that don’t go our way in our next matches.
“The Omani team is very good, we know that. We know their team very well, and they know us as we have played together many times, but now I feel Jordanian football is better at this time - and we will show it in our match against them.”