Arab and Asian football fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming match, a clash imbued with a special blend of memories and new challenges, as Frenchman Hervé Renard, returning to lead the Saudi national team, faces his Moroccan counterpart, Jamal Sellami, the coach of the Jordanian national team. This match is more than just a competition for points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers; it's a new chapter in the relationship that has previously brought the two coaches together on Moroccan pitches.
Memories of the golden age in Morocco
Fans are reminded of the period between 2016 and 2019, when Hervé Renard led the Moroccan national team (the Atlas Lions) to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia after a long absence, while Jamal Sellami was in charge of the Moroccan national team for locally-based players. That period was characterized by a high level of technical coordination between the two men, with Sellami successfully guiding the local players to victory in the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN), benefiting from their shared vision and integrated approach, which served the best interests of Moroccan football at the time.
Renard's return and the challenge for the Saudi national team
This match comes at a crucial time for the Saudi national team, which has called upon its former coach, Hervé Renard, to salvage its qualifying campaign after recent inconsistent results. Renard, who enjoys immense popularity and respect among Saudi fans thanks to his historic performance at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and the epic victory over Argentina, understands that this time the task requires restoring the fighting spirit and tactical organization of the "Green Falcons" to secure a place in the upcoming World Cup.
Al-Salami and the mission of preserving the legacy of the Nashama
In contrast, Jamal Sellami carries a heavy responsibility with the Jordanian national team (Al-Nashama), having succeeded his compatriot Hussein Ammouta, who led Jordan to a historic achievement by reaching the Asian Cup final. Sellami seeks to leave his own mark and prove that Jordanian football is capable of continuing to compete with the continent's elite, relying on his renowned tactical discipline and composure in managing high-stakes matches.
The importance of the confrontation and its regional impact
This match holds immense importance that extends far beyond the pitch; it's a tactical clash between the French school, which relies on physical strength and psychological motivation, and the pragmatic Arab school represented by Al-Salami. Victory in such matches significantly boosts the chances of Arab teams having a strong presence in the upcoming World Cup, and reflects the growing skill of Arab coaches and their ability to compete at the highest level. It's a confrontation between "the master" and "the former colleague," where each side will strive to utilize their knowledge of the other to secure all three points.
