Jordan Coach Happy With Win But Says Team Not Cup Favourite

Jordan began their FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 journey with a strong and confident start after defeating the United Arab Emirates 2-1 at Al Bayt Stadium. However, head coach Jamal Sellami made it clear that despite the positive result, Jordan should not be seen as favourites to win the tournament. Instead, he stressed that the team is focused on steady progress and long-term goals.

Speaking after the match, Sellami said the early penalty that gave Jordan a quick lead played a key role in shaping the flow of the game. The Moroccan coach explained that scoring first gave the players confidence and helped them settle into their planned style of play. He highlighted that the team followed the tactical instructions carefully and maintained control through most of the match.

Sellami said that Jordan entered the match with a clear plan to apply pressure on the UAE team while also staying sharp in defence. According to him, maintaining balance between attack and defence was essential, especially in an opening match where nerves can affect performance. The coach said the first match of any major competition is always challenging, but he was pleased to see the team play with discipline and focus.

He further added that earning the first three points was crucial because Jordan is placed in a competitive group. Starting with a win gives the players a mental boost and builds momentum for the challenges ahead. Sellami explained that the team is determined, but they are approaching the tournament step by step, not rushing toward expectations or predictions.

The coach also said the Arab Cup serves as an important preparation stage for the team ahead of the 2026 World Cup next summer. Jordan plans to use the matches in this tournament to build chemistry, improve teamwork, and assess their readiness for bigger international competitions. Sellami said that even though Jordan is not considered among the top favourites, they still believe they can compete strongly and advance far.

"We are not favourites for the title, but we are serious competitors," Sellami noted. "The team wants to go far, and the players understand the responsibility they carry." His comments showed confidence mixed with caution, as he prefers to keep the team grounded while still pushing them to perform at their best.

Yazan Al Naimat, who was named the man of the match, praised his teammates and said the victory was well deserved. Al Naimat explained that the win gives Jordan the motivation they need for the remaining matches. He added that the team wants to continue delivering good performances to make their supporters proud.

Al Naimat also emphasized the unity and ambition inside the squad. He said the players are fully focused on performing better with every match and hope to reach the later stages of the tournament. According to him, the win against the UAE proves that Jordan can compete with strong teams and stay confident throughout the competition.

Jordan’s opening match offered a strong start, solid performance, and a balanced message from the coach. As the tournament continues, Jordan aims to use their positive momentum to keep moving forward while staying realistic about their goals. Fans will be watching closely as the team works to continue their winning spirit in the coming games.