By SCM Sports Writer
AL KHOR, QATAR – Football giants Egypt suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of a sensational Jordan side last night, crashing out of the FIFA Arab Cup after a disastrous display at the magnificent Al Bayt Stadium.
The stunning result saw Jordan, who topped Group C, secure a fully deserved victory over their much-fancied rivals in a game that turned into a one-sided exhibition for the underdogs.
The massive, tent-like structure of Al Bayt Stadium, a stunning venue ready to host World Cup games next year, was supposed to be the stage for an Egyptian masterclass. Instead, the 60,000-seat arena became the site of a Pharaohs’ nightmare.
Jordan’s Abu Hasheesh set the tone for the demolition early, smashing home the opener in the 19th minute. The Egyptian defence, usually so reliable, was left scrambling.
The disaster deepened just before half-time. A brilliant move saw Jordan’s Abu Zrayq double the lead in the 41st minute, sending the Jordanian faithful inside the iconic, traditional-looking ground wild.
The second half offered little respite for the beleaguered Egyptian side. As the clock ticked into added time, any faint hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Ali Olwan slotted home a penalty in the 90+2 minute to seal the comprehensive 3-0 victory.
The loss, which saw Egypt finish third in the group, means the Pharaohs have been dumped out of the competition.
The players trudged off the pitch at the state-of-the-art Al Bayt, leaving behind a stunned crowd and a venue that will forever be remembered in Jordanian football folklore as the scene of their glorious, dominant victory.
The pressure is now firmly on the Egyptian management after this utterly embarrassing exit from a tournament where they were tipped as heavy favourites.
