Sunday 06 January 2019, 18:05

Jordan stun Australia, India move top of Group A

  • Jordan shock defending Asian Cup champions Australia

  • India move top of Group A after commanding win

  • Syria, Palestine play out goalless stalemate

Jordan stunned defending champions Australia as Anas Bani Yaseen's header earned them a famous win over the Socceroos in the sides' 2019 AFC Asian Cup opener.

Elsewhere, Sunil Chhetri netted a brace and took his international scoring tally to 67 goals as India moved top of Group A after a 4-1 victory against Thailand, while Syria and Palestine played out a goalless draw. FIFA.com looks back on Matchday 2 at the Asian Cup.

Australia 0-1 Jordan, Group B Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

Jordan, currently occupying 109th spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, got their Asian Cup campaign off to a winning start with a victory over Australia. A well-worked corner routine on 26 minutes ended with Anas Bani Yaseen’s bullet header finding the top corner.

Jordan then came close to doubling their lead moments later when Baha’ Abdelrahman’s free-kick on the edge of the area was tipped onto the bar by Maty Ryan. The Socceroos went in search of an equaliser, with Tom Rogic stinging the palms of goalkeeper Amer Shafi and Awer Mabil's strike rattling the woodwork in the second half. But Vital Borkelmans's side held out for a famous victory.

Thailand 1-4 India, Group A Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi

India captain Sunil Chhetri put his side into the lead from the penalty spot on 26 minutes, tucking the ball into the bottom corner. Thailand hit back six minutes later when Theerathon Bunmathan's free-kick met Teerasil Dangda, whose header levelled the scoring.

Stephen Constantine's men restored their advantage just after the break when Chhetri notched his second with a delightful finish before Anirudh Thapa's chipped effort recorded India's third. Substitute Jeje Lalpekhlua then made it four just moments after coming off the bench, lashing the ball into the top corner to cap India's first win in the tournament since 1964.

Syria 0-0 Palestine, Group B Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah

Sunday's third and final Asian Cup encounter ended in a goalless stalemate. In a first Asian Cup encounter between Syria and Palestine, neither side were able to break the deadlock despite Palestine goalkeeper Rami Hamadeh being kept busy to deny a number of Syrian chances - including Omar Khrbin's effort which was cleared off the line on seven minutes.

Palestine were reduced to ten men in the second half when Mohammed Saleh was shown a second yellow card, but they held firm to earn a point. Syria next face Jordan - on a high after beating holders Australia - while Palestine will meet a Socceroos side looking to bounce back from that opening defeat.