Jamal Al-Salami comments on Jordan's loss in the Arab Cup final and their 2026 ambitions
The Jordanian national team's coach, Moroccan Jamal Sellami, expressed a mixture of pride and regret following the "Nashama's" loss to Morocco in the Arab Cup final (2-3) in a marathon match held at the Lusail Stadium. Sellami emphasized that the players' technical and physical performance reflected the significant progress Jordanian football has made recently.
Details of the football epic in Lusail
In his post-match remarks, Al-Salami noted that the game lived up to all its technical and fan expectations, with the excitement extending into extra time after the match ended in a 2-2 draw. The coach explained that the Jordanian team displayed remarkable character; despite conceding an early goal, their response in the second half was decisive. The players redoubled their efforts and delivered a performance that exceeded expectations, coming very close to clinching the title.
Al-Salami praised the high fighting spirit that characterized the “Al-Nashama” team, stressing that tactical discipline and playing with a group spirit were the prominent feature of the team, but they clashed with a strong and organized Moroccan team that has extensive experience and did not give up despite the Jordanian pressure and the deficit in the score during the course of the second half.
Experience decides the title, and the project continues
Analysts believe that the Jordanian national team's reaching this advanced stage and competing with the top Arab teams is an achievement to build upon. However, Al-Salami admitted that the experience factor worked in favor of the Moroccan national team in the crucial moments, as the "Atlas Lions" exploited half-chances to convert them into goals, which made the difference in the end.
Al-Salami said frankly: “Yes, there is a natural sense of regret over losing the title that was so close, but we must look at the bigger picture. The Jordanian national team project is ongoing and will not stop at this point. Our ultimate and primary goal is to prepare perfectly for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.”.
A look towards the future and the development of the local league
This participation is particularly significant in the context of international preparations, as Jordan seeks to capitalize on the increased number of Asian slots in the upcoming World Cup to secure its first-ever qualification for the finals. Al-Salami emphasized that this golden generation has a golden opportunity to compete for titles in the future, especially after the leadership they demonstrated in this tournament.
In closing, Al-Salami emphasized the need for integrated work between the national team and the clubs, pointing to future plans aimed at developing the Jordanian domestic league. He explained that raising the level of competition locally is the only way to ensure a steady flow of young talent capable of representing the national team in the best possible way at upcoming international events.
