Egypt vs Jorden. Photo courtesy of EFA.
Egypt had opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Kuwait and repeated the result against the United Arab Emirates in the second round. They finished third in the group on two points, one ahead of bottom-placed Kuwait.
Jordan advanced with a perfect nine points from three matches, while the UAE book the group's second ticket after beating Kuwait also on Tuesday.
Mohammad Abu Hashesh put Jordan ahead after 19 minutes before Mohammed Abu Zrayq doubled the lead four minutes before halftime. Substitute Ali Olwan added a third from the penalty spot in stoppage time.
Despite making several changes as coach Jamal Sellami rested key players, Jordan pushed forward from the outset, with Abu Zrayq and Hadi Al-Hourani missing early chances.
Egypt rarely threatened and were punished when Abu Hashesh finished from close range after a defensive mix-up.
Islam Issa spurned Egypt’s best chance of the half in the 28th minute, firing over after a headed pass from Marwan Hamdy.
Four minutes before the interval, Abu Zrayq collected a pass on the right side of the box and curled a left-footed shot into the top corner to make it 2-0.
Egypt coach Helmi Toulan introduced striker Hossam Hassan and midfielder Mohamed Elneny at the break in an attempt to spark a response.
Elneny shot over from distance shortly after coming on, while Hassan also headed high from close range.
Toulan added forward Mohamed Sherif eight minutes from time, and the striker was denied by Jordan goalkeeper Abdallah Al-Fakhouri in a one-on-one opportunity.
Jordan sealed the win in stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, converted by Olwan .
Egypt sent a B team to the Arab Cup as the first-choice squad prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations, to be held from 21 December to 18 January in Morocco.
The Pharaohs won the Arab Cup in 1992 and finished fourth in 2021.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: