Embattled Jordan coach targets knockout stage at AFC Asian Cup

Embattled Jordan coach targets knockout stage at AFC Asian Cup
Jordan's team pose for a group picture during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 football match between Jordan and Vietnam at the Al-Maktoum Stadium in Dubai on January 20, 2019. (AFP)
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Updated 03 January 2024
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Embattled Jordan coach targets knockout stage at AFC Asian Cup

Embattled Jordan coach targets knockout stage at AFC Asian Cup
  • Moroccan Houcine Ammouta replaced long-time boss Adnan Hamad, who had overseen qualification to the finals in Qatar
  • Al-Nashama progressed to the group stages of the Asian Cup in 2004, 2011 and 2019, only failing in 2015

Jordan have been a staple of the AFC Asian Cup since making their finals debut in China 20 years ago. Al-Nashama have successfully plotted a path to the knockout stages in 2004, 2011 and 2019, having featured at every edition bar the 2007 Asian Cup.

Jordan are an outlier in Arab football. Unlike their Levantine neighbors, they do not have a large diaspora from which talent can be drawn. Their neighbors in the Gulf have huge financial resources which has enabled them to build world class facilities, hire renowned coaches, and lure top foreign talent.

In spite of all the shortcomings, the Jordanian Football Association has been able to field competitive teams in youth, women’s, and men’s competitions. When the draw for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup was held last May, Jordan were heavily tipped as the tournament’s dark horses.

Iraqi tactician Adnan Hamad had returned in June 2021 following Jordan’s failure to qualify for the third round of World Cup qualification, for the second straight edition. Hamad had led the side to the 2011 Asian Cup quarterfinals and to the 2014 World Cup playoff stage.

The Samara native needed a couple of friendlies to find his groove, but once he did, his team delivered. At the end of 2021, Hamad guided his team to the quarterfinals of the FIFA Arab Cup and a stacked Egypt team needed extra time to eliminate the brave Jordanians.

Al-Nashama followed that up with a perfect record in qualifying for the 2023 Asian Cup. Jordan had reverted to type under Hamad, becoming the continent’s best counter-attacking side — skilled at soaking up pressure and launching swift counters through the young attacking triumvirate of Mousa Al-Tamari, Ali Al-Olwan and Yazan Naimat.

The wins kept stacking up for Adnan Hamad as his two-year deal drew to a close. He won 16 of his 23 matches at the helm of the national team — the last stretch of friendlies featured nine wins and three respectable losses to World Cup finalists Australia (2-1), Spain (3-1), and Serbia (3-2).

Jordan were trending upwards and it was looking like the association’s bosses would renew their trust in Hamad. Not all were happy with the news.

In spite of the stellar record, certain results irked Jordan’s fans. A 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Morocco’s B-team at the Arab Cup was deemed a damning indictment of the Iraqi manager’s tactics.

There was also the worry that if Jordan did not learn to play a proactive, possession-type style they would struggle to break down weaker teams.

For all his success over two stints with Jordan, Hamad had few friends in the media and had to take to Facebook to deny reports that he had asked for a staggering $65,000 a month to renew his contract.

A surprise announcement following Jordan’s 2-1 win over Jamaica in June confirmed the JFA’s decision — Hamad would not be staying on. His replacement would be Houcine Ammouta, the man who inflicted the 4-0 defeat on Jordan whilst in charge of Morocco.

In the press conference announcing Ammouta’s arrival, the JFA’s Secretary-General Samar Nassar stated: “The dream of every Jordanian is to qualify for the World Cup, and as an FA we will do everything possible to try and make that dream a reality.”

Ammouta was handed a three-year contract and given the opportunity to appoint his own staff. The sporting public applauded the appointment of the man who had won the CAF Confederations Cup, the CAF Champions League, and the African Nations Championship.

Fans expected wins, and stylish ones to boot. They instead witnessed a 6-0 battering at the hands of Norway in Ammouta’s first game. Since taking the post, Ammouta has lost five times and drawn twice. Jordan currently languishes in third place in its World Cup qualification group behind Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan. Its sole point was secured courtesy of a last-gasp equalizer in Dushanbe.

Can Jordan turn it around at the finals? History suggests they can. In the lead-up to the 2019 Asian Cup, Jordan had recorded a single win in their previous nine games before recording shocking upsets of Australia and Syria at the finals.

That said, for all the attacking talent in the Jordan side they have a weaker spine than previous iterations.

Goalkeeper Amr Shafei has retired. The industrious midfield of Saeed Murjan, Bahaa Abdel Rahman and Yaseen Al-Bakhit are gone as well, wiping out 500 caps of experience. The 35-year-old Anas Bani Yaseen was a surprise recall ahead of the Asian Cup squad announcement. The centurion brings experience but this is a signal that Ammouta no longer believes his expansive style of play can be implemented.

An expanded 24-team Asian Cup means passage to the knockout stage could be secured with a single win. Jordan have managed that in three of their four participations to date. Jordan’s opener against Malaysia on Jan. 15 is, on paper, their easiest game in a group that also includes South Korea and Bahrain.

From Amman to Aqaba, fans are no longer asking how they will win but if they will win. Ammouta might need to consult his predecessor for advice on how to deliver such utilitarian results.


How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6

How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6
Updated 21 November 2024
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How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6

How Arab nations are faring in Asian Qualifiers after Matchday 6
  • After 6 match days of 10 in the third round of qualifiers, only Iraq are looking strong candidates for automatic qualification, while brave Palestine likely to miss out on progress

DUBAI: With World Cup 2026 qualifying’s third round now past its halfway point in Asia, nations are starting to sense whether they will need to renew their passports or begin brainstorming alternative holiday ideas.

None of the Middle East’s nine remaining competitors yet look guaranteed to be boarding a flight to North America, with four crucial fixtures left to fulfill until June 2025.

This four-month gap until play resumes provides an opportune moment for Arab News to assess where the region’s finest stand.

PACKING THEIR BAGS

Iraq (2nd, Group B)

Perennial underachievers look poised to make their global return.

A golden touch from unheralded Spanish boss Jesus Casas saw him debut with victory on home soil in January 2023’s 25th Arabian Gulf Cup. This unifying impact on a fractious national team has extended into a third round from which the Lions of Mesopotamia appear most capable of slotting in behind South Korea as automatic qualifiers from a Group B full of Middle Eastern interest.

Youngsters, such as Ali Jasim and Youssef Amyn, have dovetailed perfectly with experienced campaigners like hulking center forward Ayman Hussein. They will, though, want to wrap up a first World Cup qualification since 1986 before June 2025’s onerous, final double-header against South Korea and Jordan.

LOOKING AT FLIGHTS

UAE (3rd, Group A)

November could not have gone any better for Paulo Bento’s side.

October’s anguish was unequivocally erased with 3-0 victory against Kyrgyzstan and reparative 5-0 thrashing of great-rivals Qatar. Fabio De Lima’s legend status was underlined with four goals against the Qataris, while youthful vigor abounds elsewhere.

Fourth-round progression is almost assured. But, with momentum now on their side, the bigger prize of automatic World Cup entry — for the first time since 1990 — looms when they aim to reel in second-placed Uzbekistan next year.

Jordan (3rd, Group B)

An international break stamped with frustration should not detract from a positive wider picture.

Draws at Iraq (good) and Kuwait (bad) have kept Jordan on the heels of the former-mentioned second-placed side. This further defied pessimism which followed the summer abdication of transformational head coach Hussein Ammouta from the shock 2023 Asian Cup beaten finalists, to the UAE’s Al-Jazira.

With Montpellier’s Musa Al-Taamari and 2023 AFC Player of the Year runner-up Yazan Al-Naimat within their ranks, anything is possible for potential World Cup debutants.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL

Qatar (4th, Group A)

If Qatar in this cycle make a World Cup via qualification for the first time, they will have done it the hard way.

A rollercoaster November from 2022’s hosts contained the highs of 102nd-minute victory against second-placed Uzbekistan and the depths of their UAE humiliation. That is now 17 goals conceded from six third-round matches — an unsustainable volume even for a nation garlanded by 2023 AFC Player of the Year Akram Afif.

Pressure builds on 2023 Asian Cup orchestrator Tintin Marquez. March’s generous restart against also-rans North Korea and Kyrgyzstan must favorably change their qualifying situation, or a fourth-round lottery awaits.

Oman (4th, Group B)

Bold leadership could yet gain reward for unfancied Oman.

Former Czech Republic manager Jaroslav Silhavy was unceremoniously dumped after September’s pointless third-round start versus predicted automatic qualifiers Iraq and South Korea. A return to Rashid Jaber has, however, kept them in the hunt.

Beat Kuwait on March 25, 2025 and a fourth-round berth will feel increasingly tangible.

Kuwait (5th, Group B)

A glimmer of hope still exists for Kuwait.

Saudi Arabia’s World Cup 2018 supremo Juan Antonio Pizzi has added valuable know-how into a squad still finding its feet after iconic forward Bader Al-Mutawa’s 2022 international retirement.

Repetition of 1982’s World Cup qualification remains a distinct long shot. If a fourth-round spot is secured, however, they will look back on a pair of 1-1 draws against fancied Jordan as pivotal.

Saudi Arabia (4th, Group C)

A demanding Group C was never going to be easy.

But, few expected the six-time World Cup qualifiers would find themselves in such peril.

Last month’s decision to ditch Roberto Mancini and rehire Herve Renard generated just one point from testing visits to Australia and Indonesia. Even Palestine (four goals) and North Korea (five goals) have outscored the Green Falcons (three goals) throughout this concerning third round.

A clean bill of health for Al-Hilal talisman Salem Al-Dawsari cannot come soon enough, while replication would be welcome on the international stage of 20-year-old winger Marwan Al-Sahafi’s eye-catching scoring exploits on loan at Belgium’s Beerschot.

If the debonair Renard can solve these chronic attacking issues against China and runaway leaders Japan in March, a compact pool — second to sixth are separated by one point — still offers substantial hope.

Bahrain (5th, Group C)

It has been a nerve-fraying experience for Bahrain fans in the third round.

Decisive goals from 89 minutes+ have been produced during four of their six qualifiers. From this maelstrom, The Reds — somehow — remain firmly in contention for either automatic World Cup progression or a fourth-round slot.

The visit to an impassioned Indonesia on March 25, 2025 looks key.

MAKING OTHER PLANS

Palestine (6th, Group B)

It is remarkable — and utterly commendable — that Palestine have made it this far.

Makram Daboub’s men continue to perform heroically despite war in Gaza, with South Korea and Tottenham Hotspur superstar Son Heung-min stating this month “we can all learn from” their preparations after a heroic 1-1 draw. This was the second time they have held Group B’s giant.

Charleroi forward Oday Dabbagh and his teammates keep believing, even while being forced to play away from home. But, they appear just short of the necessary quality.


Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury

Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury
Updated 21 November 2024
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Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury

Chelsea defender Reece James misses Leicester match because of hamstring injury
  • “Unfortunately, he felt something small and we do not want to take a risk with him at the weekend,” Maresca said
  • James missed the 2022 World Cup because of a knee injury

LONDON: Chelsea defender Reece James will miss Saturday’s English Premier League game against Leicester because of a hamstring problem.
Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca confirmed the latest setback for the England international, who has endured two years of injury disruption.
“We have, for sure, just one injured player and that is Reece. Unfortunately, he felt something small and we do not want to take a risk with him at the weekend,” Maresca said on Thursday.
James missed the 2022 World Cup because of a knee injury and last year had surgery on a recurring hamstring problem.
He has been restricted to just 18 starts for Chelsea since December 2022, curtailing the progress of a player who was regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in England.
The Chelsea captain has made only three starts this season.
Maresca is assessing a host of players who did not feature during the international break, including Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill who pulled out of England’s UEFA Nations League games against Greece and Ireland.


Scheduling of major cricket events is a battle that will not go away

Scheduling of major cricket events is a battle that will not go away
Updated 21 November 2024
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Scheduling of major cricket events is a battle that will not go away

Scheduling of major cricket events is a battle that will not go away
  • Questions remain over who plays where in 2025 Champions Trophy, plus the qualifying tournaments for 2026 T20 and 2027 One Day World Cups

If ever the spectrum of stakes faced by men’s international cricket teams needed to be viewed at its extremes, current events provide a vivid illustration. At one end is the imbroglio around who is prepared to play whom and where in the Champions Trophy in 2025. At the other end are the qualifying tournaments to decide who will play in the 2026 T20 and 2027 One Day World Cups.

Ever since the International Cricket Council announced in November 2021 that Pakistan would host the 2025 Champions Trophy, trouble has been brewing. The country has not hosted a global tournament since the 1996 World Cup, which it shared with India and Sri Lanka. Terrorist attacks on the Taj Hotel in Mumbai in November 2008, and directly on the Sri Lankan team’s bus in Lahore in March 2009, ensured it would be a long time before international cricket returned to Pakistan.

In preparation, the Pakistan Cricket Board and government have embarked upon a major rebuilding program of its main stadiums. Whether these will be used for the Champions Trophy remains in the balance. It never seemed likely that the Indian government would authorize its cricket team to play in Pakistan, even though Lahore was identified as the most suitable venue given its proximity to the border. The possibility was quashed in unceremonious fashion last week.

After requests from the PCB for clarification about India’s intentions, a letter was sent by the Board of Control for Cricket in India to the ICC, which formally forwarded it to the PCB. The letter confirmed what most people had long anticipated: India will not travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. In turn, the PCB sought advice from its government. Immediately, it dug its heels in, rejecting a compromise situation that has been used before — a hybrid model. This would see India playing its matches in a neutral location, possibly the UAE.

Previous compromise situations differ from this one. Pakistan is the nominated host. Since 2021, there have been at least 10 ICC board meetings. There is no report which indicates that concerns were raised about security issues and Pakistan is investing heavily in the event. Although it is understood the tournament budget has a provision for partial relocation of matches, Pakistan stands to lose significant, much-needed income from hosting, rumored to be $65 million.

India’s reasoning for not authorizing travel to Pakistan is on security grounds, which has riled the PCB. Security visits undertaken by ICC representatives have been positive. It is understood the PCB has a “master security plan,” shared with the BCCI on Oct. 10 and which does not appear to have faced any objections at the ICC’s October board meeting. The PCB is keen to show that Pakistan’s insecure reputation is in the past. It points to the fact that England, Australia and New Zealand have all toured there recently without incident.

Relations with India are of course different, based on deep-seated acrimony and tensions. These factors have been encapsulated in confusion over exactly where in Pakistan the actual trophy will be displayed on its tour of participating countries. The PCB had announced visits to cities in what India refers to as Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The ICC was very quick to reject this itinerary and announced an amended one.

Currently, the ICC is in a state of management change. On Dec. 1 it will have a new chair, Jay Shah, who has been secretary of the BCCI since 2019. It is understood he raised strong objections with the ICC on the PCB’s plans to take the trophy tour to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. There do not seem to have been any comments from the outgoing ICC chair and, in this hiatus, the ICC is receiving blame for not being sufficiently pro-active.

It is between a rock and a hard place. India now has so much power in global cricket that, without its participation in major ICC events, commercial success would be significantly diminished. India can refuse to play in Pakistan, but if Pakistan refused to play in an ICC tournament it could be hit with ICC sanctions. No wonder Pakistan feels hard done by. Furthermore, the original release date of the tournament schedule has been delayed, hindering PCB’s organizational planning.

Shah’s position is an anomalous one. It feels as if he is writing letters to himself — as BCCI secretary to his future self as ICC chair, and another as incoming ICC chair to the PCB warning it not to upset his previous employers. So much for the ICC role being designated as independent.

No doubt he would have wanted the Champions Trophy issues to have been resolved before Dec. 1. The options seem to be that: a) Pakistan relents and agrees to the hybrid model; b) the event is moved out of Pakistan, with compensation for them, but huge loss of face; c) the tournament is postponed. In the latter case, there is the significant issue of media contracts not being fulfilled.

The Champions Trophy seems to be a tournament which generates more problems than positives. It is not so much the case with world cups.

These are tournaments in which ICC members aspire to play. Qualifying pathways, though complex, are delineated. Last week, six teams battled in Group B of the Challenger Cup in Uganda as part of the route to the 2027 ODI World Cup. They have two more round robin events to complete before the top two teams emerge. Currently, Uganda and Italy top the pile.

This week, seven teams compete in Qatar for the right to progress towards the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. One is Saudi Arabia, which is pitted against Qatar, Bahrain, Bhutan, Cambodia, Thailand and the UAE. The top two will progress to a regional final in August 2025. The gulf between the dreams of these teams and the geopolitics of the India-Pakistan stand-off is stark. India’s brinkmanship and Pakistan’s intransigence have combined to stretch the stakes to breaking point.


‘No fighter in the Arab world can beat me’: Kuwait’s Alaqraa warns Egypt’s El Dafrawy ahead of PFL MENA showdown

‘No fighter in the Arab world can beat me’: Kuwait’s Alaqraa warns Egypt’s El Dafrawy ahead of PFL MENA showdown
Updated 21 November 2024
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‘No fighter in the Arab world can beat me’: Kuwait’s Alaqraa warns Egypt’s El Dafrawy ahead of PFL MENA showdown

‘No fighter in the Arab world can beat me’: Kuwait’s Alaqraa warns Egypt’s El Dafrawy ahead of PFL MENA showdown
  • The two fighters first met in 2023 when Alaqraa won via unanimous decision

RIYADH: Two of the Middle East’s best 170-pounders will go head to head in the first-ever PFL MENA Championships on Nov. 29, as Kuwait’s Mohammad Alaqraa faces Omar El Dafrawy of Egypt in a highly anticipated rematch.

Alaqraa and El Dafrawy first crossed paths back in 2023, competing under the UAE Warriors promotion. Alaqraa won that meeting via unanimous decision and plans to raise his hands once again, this time for the inaugural PFL MENA Welterweight Championship.

“Omar has improved a lot since our last fight, but I have improved as well,” Alaqraa said. “There’s a difference between us in terms of skill level and fight tactics.

“I will beat him in a more dominant way than before.”

Since their first meeting, the undefeated Alaqraa has only added to his winning streak, pushing his professional record to 7-0. This includes two impressive victories in the inaugural PFL MENA season.

These performances have only boosted his belief in his own abilities.

“I’m confident that no fighter in the Arab world can beat me. Not Omar, not anyone else,” he said boldly.

While Alaqraa has a massive opportunity to score the biggest win of his young career, the 24-year old does not deny he is looking at the PFL MENA championship as a stepping stone to even bigger things.

“Winning the PFL MENA title is just the beginning of my journey towards global success, which is my ultimate goal,” Alaqraa explained. “To compete on the world stage, I need to be the best fighter in the Arab world, and that’s why I must defeat El Dafrawy and claim the title.”

And he had some strong words for El Dafrawy ahead of their upcoming match.

“You’ve never beaten strong fighters, and I’ll finish you with a knockout since that’s what you want,” Alaqraa declared. “You will never become a champion, so stop dreaming.”

The complete PFL MENA Championships fight card is as follows:

PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)

PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)

Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani

PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)

PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)

Showcase Fights:

Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)

Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)

Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)

Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)

The PFL MENA Championships can be seen live on MBC on Friday, Nov. 29 at 5.30 p.m. AGT. Tickets are now on sale via webook.com


Paolini’s Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup

Paolini’s Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup
Updated 21 November 2024
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Paolini’s Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup

Paolini’s Italy beat Slovakia to win Billie Jean King Cup
  • The victory capped a stunning year for Paolini who finished as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon
  • Italy, captained by Tathiana Garbin, defeated Iga Swiatek’s Poland as well as Japan at the finals on the way to winning the tournament dubbed the ‘World Cup of Tennis’

MALAGA, Spain: Italy won the Billie Jean King Cup for the fifth time as Jasmine Paolini beat Rebecca Sramkova to secure a dominant 2-0 win over Slovakia on Wednesday.

World No. 4 Paolini triumphed 6-2, 6-1 in the second singles rubber to follow up Lucia Bronzetti’s 6-2, 6-4 victory against Viktoria Hruncakova.

Italy were runners-up to Canada in last year’s final but went one better in Malaga to become world champions for the first time since 2013.

The victory capped a stunning year for Paolini who finished as runner-up at Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

“Unbelievable year, unbelievable, to finish like this with the Billie Jean King cup, it’s amazing, I don’t have words to describe it,” said Paolini.

“I’m trying just to enjoy it, it’s important to understand where you are, I feel lucky to be in this position, I feel lucky to be part of this team...

“I’m really happy that this year we could bring the trophy home again.”

Slovakia, who won the competition in 2002, had never lost a BJK Cup tie in Spain.

The underdogs defeated USA, Australia and Great Britain on a stunning run to this year’s final, but Bronzetti breezed past Hruncakova in under 90 minutes.

The in-form Sramkova, ranked 43rd, survived two break points to hold for 2-2 in the first set but the superior Paolini broke for a 4-2 lead, which she consolidated.

The Slovakian double faulted to hand Paolini two set points and the Italian took the first of them when Sramkova slapped a shot into the net.

Paolini broke in the second game of the second set and it looked like she might power to victory without a fight, but Sramkova immediately hit back to get back on serve.

Sramkova defeated Danielle Collins, Ajla Tomljanovic and Katie Boulter on Slovakia’s charge to the final but Paolini was a bridge too far.

The 28-year-old Italian restored her advantage with a fizzing forehand to move 3-1 ahead and then consolidated.

Having spent most of her career outside the top 50, 2024 has been a huge leap forward for Paolini.

She broke again when Sramkova went long and served it out to seal an emphatic victory in one hour and five minutes.

“I feel so sad now, disappointed, but all respect to (Italy), for what they did,” a deflated Sramkova told reporters.

“Maybe in a few days we will enjoy that we are second and take something for the future from those matches.”

In the first match world No. 78 Bronzetti denied the experienced Hruncakova the chance to use her power and forced her opponent to move around the court.

“I am very proud to be here, to represent Italy and I am so happy for this win,” said Bronzetti.

“(The plan was) to hit the ball, stay solid and try to move her when I had the chance.”

Bronzetti secured three breaks in the first set, conceding just one in her first service game as she hit her stride.

Hruncakova, ranked 159th, battled gamely in the second set, breaking for a 4-2 lead, but the Italian immediately hit back, winning the last four games to triumph.

Bronzetti sealed her victory serving to love when the Slovakian sent a return long, before Paolini finished the job for Italy.

“For now the emotions are a little bit sad but we need to look at the whole picture and what we did here was actually amazing,” said Hruncakova.

“Before the tournament if someone told this to us we would be thrilled.”

Italy, captained by Tathiana Garbin, defeated Iga Swiatek’s Poland as well as Japan at the finals on the way to winning the tournament dubbed the ‘World Cup of Tennis’.

“It’s a dream come true... I’m so proud of the (players), they fight every day and this journey was incredible,” said Garbin.

“(They) never give up and stayed focused on the goal and they still keep trying to work to be better people and players.”