Algeria staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Jordan 2-1 in their second Group J match, keeping their World Cup campaign alive. Substitute Nadhir Benbouali and Amine Gouiri scored second-half goals to overturn Nizar Al-Rashdan's first-half opener for Jordan.

Benbouali headed home from a corner in the 69th minute, and Gouiri poked in the winner from a goalmouth scramble eight minutes from time. The victory puts Algeria level on three points with Austria, while Argentina have already secured top spot after their 2-0 win over Austria.

Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic restored Riyad Mahrez to the starting lineup, and the veteran winger proved influential, providing the assist for Benbouali's goal. Mahrez had been benched in the opening loss to Argentina.

Jordan, who lost their opener to Austria, took the lead in the 36th minute when Al-Rashdan drilled home after a defensive error by Algeria's Ramiz Zerrouki. However, they could not hold on as Algeria's intensity increased after halftime.

The win sets up a crucial match against Austria, reviving memories of the 1982 "Disgrace of Gijon," when Algeria were allegedly cheated by a collusion between Austria and West Germany. Algeria will seek revenge on Saturday in Kansas City, while Jordan face Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi.

Source: www.aljazeera.com