The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has highlighted the notable records achieved by Al-Hussein Irbid following its 3–0 victory over Oman’s Al-Seeb in the second round of Group D in the AFC Champions League Two. Aref Al-Haj stole the spotlight in the match by scoring all three goals.
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In a report published on its website, the AFC noted that Al-Hussein equalled its longest scoring streak in the continental competition, having found the net in six consecutive matches. The club also matched its biggest away winning margin in the history of its participation in the tournament, reflecting its growing presence on the Asian stage.
Al-Haj emerged as the star of the match, which was played in Oman. He opened the scoring with a direct free kick in the 42nd minute, added a second goal in the 55th minute, and completed his hat-trick in the 82nd minute, securing his team’s first victory in the current edition.
Al-Hussein moved to four points, occupying second place in Group D behind leaders Iraq’s Al-Shorta, who have six points.
Al-Haj’s achievement was significant not only because it secured the victory for his team. The AFC also noted that his hat-trick was the third scored by a player from a Jordanian club in the continental competition since the beginning of 2017.
Baha Faisal previously scored four goals for Al-Wehdat against Palestine’s Hilal Al-Quds in a match held in March 2019. Meanwhile, Ronald Wangai, a player for Al-Salt, scored three goals against Palestine’s Markaz Balata in May 2021.
Al-Haj has now joined the list of players who have made a notable scoring impact for Jordanian clubs in Asian competitions, as Al-Hussein seeks to build on its latest victory and strengthen its chances of securing one of the two qualification spots from Group D for the next round.
The win also provided the team with an important morale boost after it opened its campaign with a 2–2 draw against India’s East Bengal. The result demonstrated Al-Hussein’s ability to regain its balance quickly in continental competition, supported by the attacking efficiency showcased through Al-Haj’s performance.
The 25-year-old Al-Haj also moved to the top of the continental competition’s scoring chart, sharing first place with New Zealand’s Moses Dyer of Cambodia’s Phnom Penh Crown, with three goals each.
Source: Al-Ghad.
