The Phlippines sprung a surprise by beating hosts Jordan in their opening AFC Asian Women's Cup match in Amman ©FIFA

Jordan, hosts of this year's Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Women's Cup, received a jolting defeat in their opening match today as they went down 2-1 to a Philippines side making their first appearance in the finals for 15 years.

The home side, despite knowing they had a guaranteed place in the finals as hosts, beat the same opposition 5-1 in last year's qualifying competition and finished top of their group.

Their evening match at the Amman International Stadium appeared to be going to form as, after a spectacular Opening Ceremony, they went ahead after 11 minutes of their Group A clash through Maysa Jbarah.

But The Philippines, under new coach Rabah Benlarbi, hit back after 51 minutes as Jordan centre-back Yasmeen Khair headed into her own net under pressure from Sarina Bolden.

Jordan thought they had the lead back again with 18 minutes to play when Lana Feras scored but the referee ruled out the goal for an earlier foul.

Japan's Mana Iwabushi, pictured during last month's Algarve Cup match against Canada, will be in action tomorrow as her team start the defence of the AFC Asian Women's Cup in Jordan ©Getty Images
Japan's Mana Iwabushi, pictured during last month's Algarve Cup match against Canada, will be in action tomorrow as her team start the defence of the AFC Asian Women's Cup in Jordan ©Getty Images

The Philippines secured a dramatic winner four minutes from time through Bolden as she ghosted past the entire home defence and drilled the ball past a hapless Salma Ghazal in goal.

The Philippines held on and now sit second in Group A behind China, who earned a 4-0 win over Thailand in the afternoon's opening match in Amman.

Goals from Wang Shuang and Li Ying, along with a pair from Song Duan, gave China a great start to a tournament from which the top five teams will qualify for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France.

All four nations will now prepare for their second Group A matches on Monday (April 9) at the King Abdullah II Stadium as The Philippines face China and Thailand take on Jordan.

Tomorrow, the other four teams in Group B get their tournament underway at the King Abdullah II Stadium, with defending champions Japan facing Vietnam and Australia playing South Korea.