AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 qualifiers: Iran defeats Jordan to advance
Tehran Times – ZARQA, Islamic Republic of Iran defeated Jordan 4-2 in Group A of the Qualifiers to advance to the AFC U17 Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2025 Finals as one of the best five second-placed teams on Sunday.
With DPR Korea having already taken the top spot, Iran’s qualification was thanks to Hong Kong, China edging Syria 2-1 in the group’s concluding tie.
Despite knowing that their fate was out of their hands, Iran started on the front foot and took the lead through Jordan captain Karzg Shadi Alqasem’s 15th minute own goal.
Jordan, already eliminated after suffering three defeats, fought back to draw level through defender Nour Aldeen Amro in the 37th minute with forward Mohammad Mustafa Aburomeh putting them ahead three minutes later.
Iran, however, turned on the power in the second half with defender Abolfazl Kazemi netting the equalizer in the 71st minute.
Strikes from forward Salman Ghafari (77th) and midfielder Mehrdad Agha Mohammadi (90+4, penalty) then confirmed the win.