Coach Najhi admitted Jordan paid the price for moments of lapsed concentration, especially during set-piece situations in their 0-2 loss to Vietnam on 6/1. However, the Moroccan coach suggested that an opening match victory does not necessarily indicate future success, and the group stage remains open for all four teams: Jordan, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, and host Saudi Arabia.

"Vietnam's win in this match does not mean they will go far, just as Jordan's opening loss does not mean immediate elimination," Najhi stated at the post-match press conference. "All teams in the group still have a chance, and the situation will only become clear after the subsequent rounds conclude."

Center-back Nguyen Hieu Minh (number 4) celebrates scoring the goal that sealed Vietnam's 2-0 victory against Jordan in their opening Group A match of the AFC U23 Asian Cup finals at King Abdullah Sports City Hall, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on 6/1/2026. Photo: AFC.

The 47-year-old coach stated that Jordan entered the match with thorough preparation for all scenarios, but the final outcome completely contradicted expectations. The West Asian team did not consider this result to be within their projections. Nevertheless, Najhi emphasized that the most crucial aspect now is the team's response to the defeat, rather than dwelling on disappointment. Jordan needs to move forward, demonstrate that the squad can rectify errors, and return stronger in upcoming matches against Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan.

According to the Jordan coach, the direct cause of the defeat stemmed from their set-piece defending. Both of Jordan's conceded goals originated from dead-ball situations, which was rare for the team previously. He attributed the problem to concentration. "We usually defend set pieces quite well, but not in this match," Najhi said. "Perhaps the team wasn't fully focused."

Vietnam's first goal came from Mohammad Taha's handball following a corner kick by Nguyen Dinh Bac, leading to a penalty. Dinh Bac himself converted the penalty to open the scoring. Nguyen Hieu Minh's goal, which sealed the score, also originated from a corner kick taken by captain Khuat Van Khang. Additionally, Kim Sang-sik's squad had several other opportunities to score from corner kicks.

Coach Najhi affirmed that Jordan was not surprised by Vietnam's performance. He respected the progress made by coach Kim's team recently. "Before the match, I said that Vietnam has improved significantly," the coach remarked. "They have agile, skillful players who know how to make a difference."

According to Najhi, Jordan attempted to limit set-piece situations but was not as effective as usual. In the second half, the coaching staff adjusted their approach, rectified some issues, and urged the Jordan players to respond more strongly. The coach believed that Jordan controlled the second half better and could have scored if they had capitalized on their opportunities within the penalty area.

Therefore, Najhi believes that if his players finish better, Jordan will have more chances in upcoming matches. In the second round, Jordan will face Saudi Arabia, while Vietnam plays Kyrgyzstan on 9/1.

Hieu Luong