Teams aim for Jordan Cup semifinals

AMMAN — The third round of the Jordan Cup kicks off on Monday to determine qualifiers for the semifinals of the third major competition on the 2017/18 football calendar.

Jordan Professional Football League teams are playing in four groups in the first round with the top team moving to the semis. Jazira lead Group A and have a match against That Ras; Wihdat lead Group B and have a match against Yarmouk; Ahli lead Group C and have a match against Ahli, while Manshieh lead Group D and have a match against Shabab Urdun.

So far this season, Jazira lost two competition finals as reigning League and Jordan Cup champs Faisali beat Jazira 2-1 to win the 35th Jordan Super Cup, while Wihdat beat Jazira 2-0 to win the Jordan Football Association Shield final.

Since the cup started in 1980, there have been 37 editions with Faisali being a record 19 time champions. Wihdat won 10 times, Ramtha and Shabab Urdun twice each, while Jazira, Arabi, That Ras and Ahli won once each.

Last season, Faisali combined the Jordan Cup title with their 33rd league title. Ahli won the 34th Super Cup, while Shabab Urdun won their second Shield title after they first won in 2007.