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Jordan faces Iraq in Arab Cup quarters

Jordan's coach Jamal Sellami, credited with leading a new generation of football stars for the country (Photo courtesy of JFA)
Jordan's coach Jamal Sellami, credited with leading a new generation of football stars for the country (Photo courtesy of JFA)
By Aline Bannayan | 20:46 December 10, 2025 |
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AMMAN — The 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup kicks off the quarterfinals in Doha on Thursday with Morocco vs Syria at 5:30pm and Palestine vs Saudi Arabia 8:30pm.

Friday’s matches will see Jordan playing Iraq at 5:30pm and reigning champs Algeria vs UAE at 8:30pm following what has been a momentous first round for many teams, mainly Jordan.

The Kingdom’s team started the Arab Cup with the challenge of playing heavyweights in the absences of at least five key players on international club duty, including star striker Mousa Ta’mari (Stade Rennais FC- France), Yazan Al Arab (FC Seoul), Mohammad Abu Al-Nadi and Noor Rawabdeh (Selangor FC - Malaysia), Ibrahim Sabra (Goztepe -Turkey),And Tamer Bani Odeh (West Bromwich Albion FC- England).

Jordan started off their Group C matches beating the UAE 2-1 before upsetting Kuwait 3-1. But it was the match against Egypt which has now further raised the bar of expectations after Jordan scored a momentous 3-0 victory in their last Group C match.

With coach Jamal Sellami opting to give stars like Yazan Nue’imat, Ali Alwan, goalie Yazeed Abu Layla a rest ahead of the quarters, substitute goalie Noor Bani Atiya and teammates like Mohammad Abu Zreiq, Mohammad Abu Hashish, Odeh Fakhouri and others proved they are a team to be reckoned one in the 16 nation competition

What has become clear in the Arab Cup is the success of Moroccan Coach Sellami to build a solid lineup of younger stars for the future. “I’m happy we have several good options in the lead lineup and substitutes now,” Sellami noted ahead of the quarters.

The determination of the lineups of Palestine, Syria and Jordan seems to have overpowered other mighty sides who were favored to advance with many naturalised professionals on their lineups. Palestine made history by taking the Group A lead after beating hosts Qatar 1-0 and eliminating Tunisia after a 2-2 draw, to qualify alongside Syria who held Qatar 1-1 and beat Tunisia 1-0.

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