Jordan appoints Badoe Zaki as national team coach The Jordan Football Association, led by Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, has appointed Moroccan coach Badoe Zaki as the new head coach of the national team. Zaki will lead "Al-Nashameh" in the upcoming phase, including the 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia. This appointment comes after the resignation of the previous coach, Jamal Salameh, with thanks extended to him and his assistant coaching staff. ## Why did Jordan choose Badoe Zaki? Badoe Zaki, a legend of Moroccan football, has extensive experience as both a player and a coach. He led the Moroccan national team to the round of 16 in the 1986 World Cup and was named African Player of the Year in 1986. As a coach, he guided Morocco to the final of the 2004 African Cup of Nations and has managed several clubs and national teams, including Wydad Casablanca and Fath Rabat. ## What challenges does Zaki face? Zaki takes on the role at a challenging time for the Jordanian national team, which has lost its last five matches, including a 1-3 defeat to Argentina on June 28, 2026. He will face a significant challenge in improving the team's performance ahead of the 2027 Asian Cup. ## What are the next steps? Zaki's contract extends for one year, with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement. The Jordan Football Association will later announce the assistant coaching staff based on Zaki's recommendations. The association hopes that Zaki's experience will contribute to the development of the national team and the continuation of positive results.