Jordan secured qualification for the 2014 World Cup play-offs by dominating Uzbekistan, bringing them one step closer to a historic qualification for the global football event. The play-off stage in November will present a challenging task, with Uruguay as the opposition, boasting superstars like Luis Suarez, Diego Forlan, and Edinson Cavani.
Guiding Jordan through this crucial stage is Hossam Hassan, a familiar name in African football. Until last year, Hassan held the record for the most selections in Egypt (176) before being surpassed by Ahmed Hassan. However, he still holds the record for the most goals scored with the Pharaohs (69).
A legendary figure in Egypt, Hossam Hassan took charge of Jordan in June, following a season with the Egyptian club Misr, where he worked alongside his twin brother, Ibrahim (110 caps with the Pharaohs). As a player, Hassan achieved a rare feat of playing for both of Cairo’s rival clubs, Al Ahly and Zamalek. His playing career also took him to Europe, featuring in Switzerland with Neuchatel Xamax, Greece with PAOK Salonika, and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2006, at the age of 39, Hossam Hassan won his third African Cup of Nations with Egypt. However, his most dazzling achievement came in 1998 when he led the Pharaohs to the continental coronation against South Africa in Burkina Faso.
