Jordan shock Group D favourites Iran

The hosts edged 2-1 ahead with a goal seconds before the referee blew for half-time and although Iran came storming back after the restart, Shaqran's goal ensured Iran will only lead the table, albeit momentarily, ahead of Lebanon, Jordan and DPR Korea.

Lebanon are due to face DPR Korea on Saturday and a draw will be enough to put the Beirut outfit top of what is arguably one of the toughest qualifying group.

In a game played at the Amman International Stadium, Iran defender Yahya Golmohammed came from nowhere to fire in a sixth minute opener to silence the packed partisan home crowd.

After going down against Iran 4-1 in an earlier game played in September, Jordan came out of their shell and despite squandering a series of good chances, their diligence in attack eventually paid off.

Moyad Salim first leveled the affair five minutes from the break, Mahmoud Shelbaya rewarding Jordan further with a shock goal deep into injury time.

With all credit to Iran, one of the favourites for the title given their track record in the competition, started the second-half eager to salvage the match.

Iranian striker Farhad Majidi, the recent signing of United Arab Emirates champions Al Ain, kept up his recent good form to fire in his team’s equalising goal on the hour mark.

Majidi scored the all-important third goal during Ain’s recent 4-3 defeat at Dalian Shide during the AFC Champions League second-leg semi-final, an effort that proved the world of a difference in steering Ain through to the Final 7-6 on aggregate.

Majidi’s goal might have electrified the Iranian play but it was Jordan coach Mahmoud Gohary’s shrewd tactical change late in the game that changed the entire complexion of the match.

Veteran forward Shaqran had barely warmed up upon entry but his wealth of experience and fresh legs came in useful as he eluded the visiting defence to score from inside the Iran penalty area.

Asian Cup qualifying Group D