Following Iraq’s recent defeat (1-2) against Tunisia in a friendly match, the national team has appointed a new coach. Hakeem Shakir, 49, has been announced as the new head coach of the Lions of Mesopotamia, according to a press release from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Shakir takes over from the Brazilian coach Zico, who resigned from the position at the end of November.
Hakeem Shakir, previously the coach of the Iraqi youth teams, including the Espoirs and the under-19s, will lead the national team during the upcoming Gulf Cup, set to start next week. This appointment puts an end to speculations about the potential arrival of Diego Maradona, as his name had been previously mentioned within the Iraqi federation’s circles.
