Algeria kept their World Cup knockout hopes alive with a 2-1 comeback win over Jordan, overturning a half-time deficit with two second-half goals from set pieces in Santa Clara.
Nizar Al Rashdan had put Jordan ahead in the 35th minute, but Nadhir Benobuali and Amine Gouiri struck after the break to seal victory for Algeria and set up a decisive Group J meeting with Austria to determine who progresses behind Argentina.
Jordan began brightly, with Al Rashdan heading a free kick wide inside the opening minute as both sides created early chances. Algeria gradually took control of possession, though Jordan remained dangerous on the counter.
Riyad Mahrez, restored to the starting XI, came close for Algeria but was denied a clear shooting opportunity, while his later effort was smothered by Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.
Gouiri and Farès Chaïbi also tested the defence, but it was Jordan who struck first, as a loose defensive sequence fell kindly to Al Rashdan, who finished low into the corner via a deflection, beyond the reach of Luca Zidane.
After the interval, Jordan dropped deeper in an attempt to protect their lead, while Algeria increased the pressure. Ibrahim Maza was particularly lively as Algeria pushed forward, though Noor Al Rawabdeh also threatened on the break for Jordan.
The equaliser arrived in the 68th minute when substitute Benobuali powered a header into the net from a Riyad Mahrez corner, restoring parity for Algeria.
The turnaround was completed later in the half when Gouiri reacted quickest in the box to convert from close range after another corner, with VAR confirming the goal to confirm Algeria’s comeback and eliminate Jordan’s hopes of a last-32 place.
