“I think these players performed better than expected, considering our preparation,” said Hong.

“We only had a short time to prepare for this match but I think we executed the things we'd worked on perfectly. I want to congratulate the players on a job well done.”

Hong will have to reshuffle his side for their home fixture against Iraq on Tuesday after Hee Chan’s replacement, Eom Ji-sung of Swansea City, also exited in the 51st minute following an injury.

Iraq, who defeated Palestine 1-0, are level on seven points with Korea Republic and a win will see the East Asian side in a healthy position to secure one of the two automatic spots to the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

Defeat left Jordan third in the standings on four points with head coach Jamal Al Salami taking responsibility for the loss on home soil.

“The circumstances of the match did not help our team but I bear responsibility for this result and loss. The team clearly lacked strength with the absence of Mousa Al Taamari due to injury and Yazan Al Naimat, who only played in the second half,” said Al Salami. “The Korean team exploited our mistakes to score two goals, and in football, it is possible for teams to make mistakes."

“The team did not have a good period of preparation, as the players arrived on Monday to the camp, and this is a short preparation period, but I believe that the players' performance will be better against Oman.

"The Jordanian team deserved to lose because the players were not at the required level, but they cannot be held responsible because I am the one who chose them and I bear responsibility for the choices but we will bounce back.”