Roberto Mancini: Saudi Arabia have time to develop better

Roberto Mancini’s Saudi Arabia defeated Jordan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Saudi Arabia produced another classy performance to defeat Jordan 2-0 on Tuesday with head coach Roberto Mancini expecting his side to get even better. 

Saleh Al Shehri scored both goals as Saudi Arabia moved to six points in Group G of the Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

They sit two points ahead of Tajikistan with Jordan five adrift in third place. 

Roberto Mancini praised his side’s effort at the Amman International Stadium. 

“We performed at a high level, and we still have more time to develop better and greater.

“In the second half, there was some decline, but in the end we managed to get the three points,” said the Italian. 

Mancini said he would not single out any player for the win. 

“All the players performed well, and it is true that Mohammed Al Owais blocked two dangerous balls, but everyone performed perfectly.

“I follow the players in the local league to choose the best and give them the opportunity to participate.”

Defeat meant Jordan are already off the pace with head coach Hussein Amouta saying his side have to perform better in their remaining matches. 

“Certainly, the result was not acceptable to us. Our goal was to win, but unfortunately we did not make the most of the many opportunities we had. 

“Jordan’s opportunity, however, still exists and we will work to compensate in the upcoming matches and play better,” said Amouta.

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