Al-Salami: "We Are Not Favorites for the Arab Cup Title, But We Compete to Go Far and Take the Tournament Step by Step"

Jordanian national team coach Jamal Al-Salami expressed his delight after securing a 2-1 victory over the UAE at Al Bayt Stadium. The match was part of the first round of Group C fixtures in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

Speaking at a press conference today, the coach stated, "Taking the lead from the penalty spot significantly opened the door to victory, as the Jordanian team controlled the flow of the game until we managed to secure all three points."

Al-Salami explained that the match strategy involved continuous pressing while emphasizing defensive aspects, which allowed the Jordanian team to manage the game effectively.

He added, "The start of any tournament is always the most difficult, but the Jordanian team demonstrated its capabilities in the match. There was great focus on facing the UAE because we understood the importance of securing three points at the beginning of our campaign, given the difficulty of the group we are in."

Al-Salami noted that the Jordanian national team aims to perform at its best throughout the Arab Cup to gain valuable experience and exposure. He considers the tournament an important preparatory opportunity before competing in the 2026 World Cup next summer.

The coach concluded by affirming that the Jordanian team is not a favorite for the title, but they are competitors striving to go far and are approaching the tournament step by step.