Ten-man Algeria were forced into a defensive battle as their Group D opener against Sudan at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium ended in a tense 0-0 draw.

The defending champions created the clearer first-half chances, with Sofiane Bendebka heading narrowly wide and Adil Boulbina drawing a sharp save from Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Alnour, who was later named Player of the Match.

The match turned just before the interval when Adam Ounas received a second yellow card and was dismissed, leaving Algeria to play the entire second half a man down. Sudan controlled more possession after the break and threatened through Abdelrazig Yagoub, who fired into the side netting, but the West Africans struggled to produce regular clear openings.

Algeria held firm with disciplined defending to secure a hard-earned point.

Iraq made a strong start to their Group D campaign with a 2-1 win over Bahrain in Doha, a result that gave them a far better opening than their shared group-stage elimination four years earlier.

Iraq struck early when an effort from Aymen Hussein caused confusion in the box, forcing goalkeeper Ebrahim Lutfalla to inadvertently put the ball into his own net. Lutfalla was injured during the incident and replaced by Omar Salem shortly after. Iraq doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Mohanad Ali reacted quickest in the area to score from close range, a performance that earned him Player of the Match.

Bahrain rallied in the second half and pulled one back late on through substitute Sayed Hashim, who finished a precise cross from Abdulla Al Khalsai, but Iraq remained composed to protect their lead and claim three valuable points.

Jordan opened their Group C campaign with a thrilling 2-1 victory over the United Arab Emirates, a match shaped by an early red card and an excellent display from Yazan Al Naimat.

The key moment arrived in the 18th when UAE defender Khaled Al Dhanhani brought down Al Naimat in the box and received a straight red card. Ali Olwan converted the penalty in the 20th minute to give Jordan the lead. Jordan were awarded another penalty in the 39th after Hamad Al Meqbaali fouled Al Naimat again, but Olwan’s second spot-kick was saved by the UAE goalkeeper.

UAE levelled the match just after halftime when Bruno met a dangerous Luan Pereira cross and finished with the outside of his boot. Jordan regained control and retook the lead in the 65th when Al Naimat beat the offside trap following fine build-up play from Nizar Al Rashdan. After the ball looped off his shin, he reacted quickly to tap it home, sealing the win and earning Player of the Match honours.

COLLATED RESULTS

Algeria drew Sudan 0-0

Iraq bt Bahrain 2-1

Jordan bt UAE 2-1

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