Al-Faisaly part company with Tarek Mostafa despite leading Jordanian league

Al-Faisaly have announced the departure of head coach Tarek Mostafa after their 3-1 defeat by Saudi Arabian side Al-Taawoun in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage.

The decision comes despite the Jordanian club sitting top of the domestic league after seven rounds of matches.

Al-Faisaly confirmed the change on their social media accounts, thanking Mostafa and members of his coaching staff, Amir Mohamed and Essam Ahmed, for their work with the first team.

“The club extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to coach Tarek Mostafa, as well as coach Amir Mohamed and coach Essam Ahmed, in recognition of the efforts and contributions they made during their time with the first team,” the club said.

“Their period with the team culminated in winning the Jordanian Super Cup. The club wishes them continued success in their future coaching careers.”

Reports in Jordan say Al-Faisaly have reached an agreement with Portuguese coach Joao Mota to take charge of the side in place of the Egyptian coach.

Mota most recently left his position as manager of Iraqi club Al-Yarmouk. He has previously worked as head coach of Sudanese club Al-Hilal and Jordanian side Al-Hussein.

Al-Faisaly’s prospects of reaching the next round of the AFC Champions League 2 have suffered after their latest defeat left them with three points, with two group matches still to play.

They are third in the group, while Al-Rayyan occupy second place on nine points. Al-Taawoun lead the standings with 10 points.

The Jordanian side have also struggled for results in the domestic competition in recent weeks, drawing and losing their last two league matches.

Despite that run, Al-Faisaly remain top of the Jordanian league with 14 points from seven games. Their next fixture is against Shabab Al-Ordon in the eighth round.