Jordan: A Moroccan legend appointed as coach

The Jordanian Football Federation has officially announced the appointment of Badou Zaki as national team coach. Just weeks after their first-ever World Cup appearance, Jordan has chosen to rely on the vast experience of the former Moroccan football star to guide the Al-Nashama into the next stage of their development.

With this appointment, one Moroccan coach succeeds another. Badou Zaki, African Footballer of the Year in 1986, replaces Jamal Sellami, whose resignation, along with that of his staff, was accepted by the federation headed by Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein.

The former Atlas Lions goalkeeper has signed a one-year contract. Despite rumors suggesting a possible return of Algerian Djamel Belmadi to the national team bench, Jordanian officials ultimately opted for the Moroccan coach, renowned for his experience and ability to build competitive teams.

At 67, Badou Zaki inherits a team that has just made history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. While the Jordanians failed to secure a single point in the tournament, their performances were considered encouraging. Their resistance against Algeria, before a narrow 2-1 defeat, notably demonstrated the potential of a squad still developing.

The new coach's priority will now be preparing for the 2027 Asian Cup, scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia. Jordan, finalists in the previous edition, aim to confirm their new status on the continental stage and are counting on Badou Zaki's experience to meet this challenge.

To accept this mission, the Moroccan coach chose to leave his position as coach of Niger, which he had held since 2023. His departure comes at a delicate time for the Mena, a few weeks before the start of the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

An iconic figure in Moroccan football, Badou Zaki has a rich career, both as a player and as a coach. A former goalkeeper for Wydad Casablanca and Real Mallorca, he notably led Morocco to the final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, a run that remains one of the most remarkable in the recent history of the Atlas Lions.

By drawing on his expertise, Jordan hopes to continue its progress after its baptism of fire on the world stage. Jordanian football officials are counting on his high standards, international experience, and organizational skills to establish the national team as a lasting force among the most competitive nations on the Asian continent.