Three-time Asian champion Japan avoided a shock defeat to Jordan when defender Maya Yoshida scored in stoppage time to force a 1-1 draw in its opening Group B match at the Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, yesterday.

Jordan, in only its second appearance in the continent's major championship, looked set for a huge upset after taking the lead through Hasan Abdel-Fattah just before half-time.

Abdel-Fattah's shot from the edge of the box took a deflection off Yoshida, who also had a goal disallowed for an infringement after 25 minutes.

Japan dominated from the start but struggled to break down the physical Jordanian defense. Jordan, ranked 104th in FIFA world rankings, defended superbly throughout the second half, keeping one of the tournament favorites at bay until seconds from the final whistle, when Yoshida headed in unmarked at the far post.

In today's matches, India takes on Australia, while South Korea will play Bahrain.