Jordan U20 opened their AFC U20 Asian Cup campaign with a gritty 2-1 victory over Bahrain U20, staging a second-half comeback that underlined their tournament ambitions.

In a fiercely contested group-stage encounter, Bahrain took the game to Jordan from the opening whistle and stunned the Jordanian bench with an early goal. The home side pressed with intensity, forcing errors and creating several clear openings either side of the break. For long spells, it looked as though Bahrain had done enough to secure a credible result.

Jordan's response changes the picture

Jordan showed the character expected of a side with continental pedigree, gradually working their way back into the match. Their equaliser came from a set-piece situation, capitalising on a defensive mix-up to restore parity. The goal visibly deflated Bahrain, who had defended heroically until that point.

With the contest balanced, Jordan grew in confidence and began to dominate possession. The winning goal arrived with clinical precision, a sweeping move finished with composure to complete the turnaround. Bahrain pushed desperately in the final ten minutes but failed to trouble the Jordan goalkeeper on more than one occasion.

• Final score: Bahrain U20 1-2 Jordan U20
• Competition: AFC U20 Asian Cup
• Group stage: opening match for both sides

For Bahrain, the narrow defeat is a missed opportunity after an encouraging first-half display. They will need to be more ruthless in front of goal if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Jordan, meanwhile, will be relieved and delighted by the win, which provides the perfect platform to build momentum. The coaching staff will stress that there is room for improvement, particularly in the first half, but taking all three points in such a competitive group is always the most important outcome.