Doha, Qatar: Hussein Ammuta has warned Jordan not to take Bahrain lightly when they face off in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 at the Khalifa International Stadium today.
Jordan has a goal difference over South Korea and is in first place with a one-point difference over Bahrain, with the top spot at stake in the decisive round.
The Moroccan tactician, who scored four unanswered goals against Malaysia and then held off two-time champions South Korea 2-2, wants his players to be fully focused.
“I hope I can show focus and concentration. It’s not easy and I have to be at the highest level in every aspect to back up what I’ve been doing,” Ammuta said. . I would like to check the performance shown so far.
“However, we do not intend to underestimate our opponents. We have four players who have received yellow cards and others are not fit, so we may have to make changes to the line-up if necessary. unknown.”
Jordan has so far scored more goals in the group stage compared to the last five of the 2015 competition, and Amouta hopes his team can finish top of the group.
“There are no easy games. We know that Bahrain is a strong team and always perform well in the region and in Asia. They have no choice but to win. I respect you, so I will do my best.
“There is always a calculation in the pass, but we cannot control who we play with. We are professionals so we can only prepare to win and we will deal with what happens at the end of the game.Group It would feel good to finish first.”
Bahrain head coach Juan Antonio Pizzi is also confident that his team can win again following the heart-wrenching victory over Malaysia.
“We are very optimistic about tomorrow’s match against Jordan. This is an important match that could help us qualify for the next round. We are focused on the recovery of our players and are confident of victory,” said Coach Pizzi.
“It’s a decisive game. We’re confident in our team. Jordan had two very good games, but I view them as a collective threat rather than an individual threat.
“Throughout my career, I have always aimed for winning. I encourage the team to focus on winning. We are ready for the best result.”
Group E – Jordan vs Bahrain
Jordan has the advantage: This will be the first time the two sides have faced each other in the AFC Asian Cup, with Jordan winning the previous two meetings with a scoreline of 2-1.
Hotshot: Jordan’s six goals so far in the 2023 Qatar tournament have already surpassed his previous highest score in the group stage (five goals in 2015).
Long awaited: Bahrain defeated Malaysia 1-0 in the second round and are aiming to keep a clean sheet in two consecutive games for the first time in the AFC Asian Cup. Overall, they have kept just two clean sheets in their last 24 games in this competition.