Agency :
A last-minute own goal gifted South Korea a 2-2 draw against Jordan in Group E of the AFC Asian Cup on Saturday.
After both teams notched convincing victories in the first round, Jordan was close to repeating a surprising victory over the tournament’s favorite, as Iraq had stunned the Asian top seed Japan 2-1 on Friday.
Despite Son Heung-min converting an early penalty in the ninth minute, the Jordanians fought back with two goals in the last minutes of the first half, as Park Yong-woo conceded an own goal in a corner, and Yazan Al Naimat volleyed home from distance in injury time.
The relentless efforts from South Korea finally paid off in the 92nd minute, when Hwang In-beom had a shot that Yazan Al Arab deflected into his own goal.
“We expected a difficult game and we got a difficult game. Those are the games that you learn a lot from,” said South Korea’s Coach Jurgen Klinsmann.
The German also praised his players’ response to avoid a huge upset. “It’s important to see that when things don’t work out how the players react. That was what I was really pleased with”.
Also in Group E, a late goal from Ali Madan helped Bahrain beat Malaysia 1-0 to keep alive the victor’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
Madan lashed home with the outside of his left foot in the 95th minute, after the Malaysian defenders failed to clear out a corner kick.
Jordan and South Korea now have four points each to lead the group, ahead of Bahrain with three points and Malaysia who has suffered two defeats in a row.
Jordan will take on Bahrain in the final round of the group phase next Thursday, with South Korea set to meet Malaysia.