Arab Cup Final: Jordan’s Salamy Balances Moroccan Roots with Title Ambition
Jordanian coach Jamal Salamy addresses his national identity and professional focus ahead of the crucial final match.
Jamal Salamy, Jordan’s coach, stated his Moroccan affiliation remains beyond doubt. This declaration came ahead of his team’s Arab Cup final match on Thursday.
Salamy guided the Jordanian national team to the final stage of the Arab Cup. He will now face his friend, Tarik Sektioui, who coaches Morocco, in a highly anticipated contest in Doha.
On Wednesday, Salamy told reporters at a press conference, “No one doubts my love and belonging to my country, Morocco, and my pride in my Moroccan identity.” He added, “I received my training as a player and coach in Morocco, and we receive support whether working inside or outside Morocco.”
The Moroccan coach further stated, “No one doubts my honesty and dedication in my work.” He affirmed, “I will face my friend Tarik Sektioui, who is a great coach, and I am the coach of the Jordan national team, seeking the championship title.”
Salamy continued, “The most important thing for Moroccan football will be winning the Africa Cup of Nations.” Morocco is set to host the continental tournament finals later this month.
Salamy confirmed his ongoing communication with Sektioui. He also stated his recommendation for his friend to become the next coach of the Moroccan national team.
Salamy remarked, “Tarik Sektioui, for me personally, is the prospective coach for Moroccan football.” He highlighted Sektioui’s achievement of third place in the Olympics within two years.
He then added jokingly, “It won’t harm him to achieve second place in the Arab Cup.”
Salamy believes a Moroccan loss in the Arab Cup final would not impact Moroccan football significantly, as the primary objective remains securing the Africa Cup of Nations title. Conversely, he stated a Jordan victory would represent “greater value for Jordanian football and can be built upon in the future.”
