Andrew Olsson
December 12, 2025
12 minutes ago
Jordan national team coach Jamal Sellami. Photo: Jordan Football Association
Moroccan coach Sellami leads Jordan to FIFA Arab Cup semifinals
The national team of Jordan, led by Moroccan coach Jamal Sellami, added to their outstanding recent record on Friday by advancing to the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Iraq.
In a tense and hard-fought battle, the nation from the Southern Levant region prevailed courtesy of Ali Olwan’s penalty kick late in the first half. Jordan held on for the victory after a strong push from Iraq to find an equalizer was repelled by an excellent defensive performance.
Sellami continues to add to a strong list of recent accomplishments since taking over from compatriot Houcine Ammouta as head coach. Jordan will face Saudi Arabia in the semifinals on Monday, where a victory would give them their best-ever finish at the Arab Cup after previously finishing third at the 2002 edition.
It is another feather in the cap for the team, who made history by qualifying for their first-ever appearance at a World Cup finals this summer in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Sellami continues to build a strong CV in his coaching career. He led Morocco’s domestic-based national team to the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in 2018 before winning the nation’s top flight Botola Pro with Casablanca giants Raja CA. He was in charge of capital club Fath Union Sport (FUS Rabat) before moving abroad for his current job.
