Saudi Arabia fall short in 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship opener against Jordan

Saudi Arabia lost 3-1 to Jordan in their opening match of the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship. (SAFF)
Short Url
  • Despite the 3-1 loss, Kingdom can still progress from Group A with matches against Lebanon and Guam up next

Saudi Arabia’s women’s national team lost 3-1 to Jordan in their 2024 West Asian Football Federation opener at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah on Monday night.

Despite a spirited performance throughout the 90 minutes from Lluis Cortes’ side, Jordan took control of Group A. Saudi Arabia can still qualify for the knockout stage with matches against Lebanon and Guam to come on Wednesday and Friday respectively.

Jordan took the lead through Mai Sweilem in the 24th minute before Leen Mohammed equalized for the Green Falcons nine minutes later (33).

Jordan regained the lead through Maysa Jbarah on 61 minutes, with Ayah Al-Majali confirming victory with a third goal for the visitors from the penalty spot after 72 minutes.

Taking place in Jeddah until Feb. 29, the 2024 WAFF Women’s Championship is the first official 11-a-side women’s tournament held in Saudi Arabia. This year’s eighth edition welcomes seven nations alongside the hosts, including Jordan, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Guam and Nepal.

The WAFF Women’s Championship is the latest international football tournament in Jeddah, where both the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup and 2022 WAFF Women’s Futsal Championship have been held.