Japan's Maya Yoshida (22) scores a goal past Jordan's goalkeeper Amer Shafi (L) during their 2011 Asian Cup Group B soccer match at Qatar Sports Club stadium in Doha, Jan 9, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

DOHA - Maya Yoshida had a goal disallowed, deflected a shot into his own net and headed an injury-time equaliser as Japan drew 1-1 with Jordan in the Asian Cup on Sunday.

The three-time Asian champions were seconds away from a shock defeat to a side ranked 104th in the world, 75 places below Japan in FIFA's rankings, when defender Yoshida headed home skipper Makoto Hasebe's cross unmarked at the far post in their opening Group B match at the Qatar Sports Club Stadium.

Related readings:  Asian Cup Forecast: All eyes on Blue Samuraiin Group B  New look Japan hoping for Asian Cup success  Uzbekistan beats Qatar 2-0 in opener of Asian Cup  Asian Cup Forecast: China eager to improve in Group A

Jordan, in only their second appearance in the continent's major championship, looked set for a deserved win 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 the foot of Yoshida, who thought he had scored after 25 minutes before his effort was ruled out for an infringement.

"I could not have imagined this result," Japan's Italian coach, Alberto Zaccheroni, told reporters.

"We had expected to win. We had prepared well. We had all the possession in the first half and forced Jordan to play defensively.

"We need to improve in front of goal. I am pleased we made chances, but we need to take them."

Jordan's Iraqi coach, Adnan Hamad, said he was sad that his side could not hold on to their lead and win.

"We had victory within our grasp - it was a sad result in the end, but not a bad result," he said.

The match began in hot, bright winter sunshine in the modest Qatar Sports Stadium dominated by Doha's burgeoning skyscraper skyline.

Abdel-Fattah was a constant threat to Japan, who will need to improve against Syria and Saudi Arabia if they are to make the last eight.

On this performance, Jordan could prove a serious threat for both of those teams in their next two games.