Algeria kicked off their FIFA Arab Cup™ title defence with a scoreless draw against Sudan in Group D. The 2021 champions played the entirety of the second half with ten players following Adam Ounas’ sending off, and defended resolutely to bank a point.
The other Group D clash saw Iraq ease past Bahrain 2-1 in Doha, while Jordan defeated ten-man United Arab Emirates by the same scoreline in the late match in Group C.
Algeria 0-0 Sudan
Player of the Match: Mohamed Alnour (Sudan)
Ten-man Algeria dug deep to secure a point against Sudan at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The defending champions created the best chances of the first half, with Sofiane Bendebka heading just wide and Adil Boulbina forcing a smart save from Mohamed Alnour. The game took on an entirely different complexion, however, when Algeria striker Adam Ounas was sent off for a second bookable offence on the stroke of half-time.
With their numerical advantage, Sudan controlled possession after the break. They came close to opening the scoring when Abdelrazig Yagoub lashed a shot into the side netting, but struggled to carve out regular clear-cut opportunities. Algeria defended with authority and determination to keep them at bay as the game finished all square.
Iraq 2-1 Bahrain
Iraq goals: Ebrahim Lutfalla OG (10), Mohanad Ali (26)
Bahrain goal: Sayed Hashim (79)
Player of the Match: Mohanad Ali (Iraq)
Four years ago Iraq and Bahrain clashed in the same group with both failing to advance; this time the Lions of Mesopotamia took an important initial step to the knockouts with a 2-1 win in Doha.
It took Iraq just ten minutes to strike as an Aymen Hussein effort was bundled into his own goal by Ebrahim Lutfalla. Having injured himself in that passage of play, the goalkeeper was replaced shortly after by Omar Salem, who then watched on as Mohanad Ali doubled the Iraq advantage from close range midway through the opening stanza.
Bahrain substitute Sayed Hashim pulled one back late on as he tucked home a well-weighted Abdulla Al Khalsai cross but in the end Iraq hung on to make a winning start.
Jordan 2-1 United Arab Emirates
Jordan goals: Ali Olwan pen (20), Yazan Al Naimat (65)
United Arab Emirates goal: Bruno (47)
Player of the Match: Yazan Al Naimat (Jordan)
Ali Olwan scored one penalty and missed another as Jordan opened up their campaign with a thrilling victory over United Arab Emirates, who played most of the game with ten men.
The match was brought to life in the 18th minute when UAE defender Khaled Al Dhanhani was shown a straight red card for bringing down Yazan Al Naimat in the area. Jordan forward Ali Olwan stepped up and converted the penalty with confidence.
Jordan, FIFA World Cup 2026 participants, were then awarded a second penalty of the opening half after Hamad Al Meqbaali brought down Al Naimat in the 39th minute but Olwan’s effort was, this time, well saved by the UAE keeper.
UAE refused to give up and levelled the scores moments after the restart when Bruno connected with a dangerous Luan Pereira cross and struck the ball sweetly with the outside of his boot into the net.
Jordan continued to attack and retook the lead in the 65th minute when Al Naimat beat the offside trap after excellent work by Nizar Al Rashdan and, after the ball looped high off his shin, he tapped the ball into the net to seal the three points.
