Roberto Mancini ready for tough test as Saudi Arabia face Jordan in World Cup qualifier

21.11.2023 - 09:21 thenationalnews.com

Saudi Arabia have a golden chance to open an early lead at the top of Group G of the Asian Qualifiers to the 2026 Fifa World Cup when they take on Jordan on Tuesday in their second game of the group.

Roberto Mancini’s men can take inspiration from their U23 peers who defeated Jordan 2-1 in Al Khobar on Saturday in the international friendly tournament in preparation for the AFC U23 Asian Cup.

The Green Falcons had started the qualification campaign in style, putting four goals past Pakistan at Al Fateh Club Stadium on Thursday, while Jordan and Tajikistan played out a 1-1 draw in Dushanbe, allowing Saudi Arabia to top the group.

The victory, thanks to a brace from Saleh Al Shehri and added time goals from Abdulrahman Ghareeb and Abdullah Radif, sealed a first victory for Mancini since he took charge in September and marked the first win for Saudi Arabia since their 2-1 triumph over Argentina a year earlier in the World Cup Qatar 2022.

Football FIFA Testing record show Saudi Pro League 23/24 Test cup qualifier as Roberto Mancini Saleh Al-Shehri Qatar Italy Usa Argentina Mexico Canada Saudi Arabia Jordan Pakistan Tajikistan

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