Jordan vs Algeria: Winners & losers - Substitutes rescue Algeria after Zerrouki error

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·23 Juni 2026

Jordan vs Algeria: Winners & losers - Substitutes rescue Algeria after Zerrouki error

Algeria completed a second-half comeback to beat Jordan 2-1 at Levi's Stadium, with substitute Nadhir Benbouali heading the equalizer at 69 minutes before Amine Gouiri's close-range finish secured the winner at 82'. Both goals came from corner kicks after Jordan had led since Nizar Al-Rashdan's 36th-minute strike following Ramiz Zerrouki's costly error. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Jordan v Algeria.

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Winners

Amine Gouiri (Algeria)

Gouiri delivered the decisive moment in Algeria's comeback, reacting quickest inside the six-yard box to prod home the winning goal at 82 minutes. His right-footed finish from close range, confirmed onside by VAR after Ramy Bensebaini's header was deflected into his path, secured Algeria's first World Cup points.

The striker showed persistence throughout despite earlier frustrations—he sent an early right-footed effort wide at 3 minutes after cutting in from the left, had another attempt saved comfortably at 29 minutes, and fired a follow-up shot off target at 55 minutes while continuing to find dangerous positions.

His positioning and awareness when it mattered most proved the difference between a desperate defeat and vital Group J points. Gouiri's winner completed a comeback that keeps Algeria's tournament hopes alive after their 3-0 opening loss to Argentina, pushing Jordan closer to elimination from their first World Cup.

Nadhir Benbouali (Algeria)

Benbouali repaid Vladimir Petković's faith within 23 minutes of his half-time introduction, powering a header into the bottom left corner at 69 minutes to draw Algeria level. Rising highest despite being surrounded by three Jordan defenders, he connected firmly with Riyad Mahrez's corner delivery to leave goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila helpless.

His introduction at the break gave Algeria a target man they had lacked in the first half, forcing Jordan's defenders to track him on set pieces and creating uncertainty in the box. An earlier header at 64 minutes had been saved comfortably, but he adjusted his connection for the crucial equalizer.

Benbouali's goal transformed the match, turning Algeria from a team heading toward a second consecutive defeat into one with renewed belief. His arrival coincided with Algeria's most sustained pressure, and his equalizer opened the door for Gouiri's winner 13 minutes later, completing a vital turnaround.

Loser

Ramiz Zerrouki (Algeria)

Zerrouki's attempted switch of play in the 36th minute went nowhere near teammate Rafik Belghali and was intercepted by Mohannad Abu Taha, triggering the counter-attack that led directly to Jordan's opening goal. The misplaced pass gifted possession in a dangerous area and undid Algeria's patient first-half buildup.

His difficulties continued at 44 minutes when he received a yellow card for a tactical foul on Nizar Al-Rashdan during a Jordan counter-attack, and the combination of the error and the booking made his position untenable. Petković withdrew him at half-time, replacing him with Nabil Bentaleb.

The substitution proved pivotal as Algeria's midfield control improved immediately after his departure, with Bentaleb providing the stability and composure that had been missing. Zerrouki's 45 minutes represented Algeria's lowest point in the match, and his removal coincided directly with their recovery and eventual comeback victory.