Jordan appoint Morocco’s Badou Zaki as new national team coach

Jordan have appointed Moroccan coach Badou Zaki as the new head coach of the national team, extending the country’s reliance on Moroccan managerial expertise following the departures of Houcine Ammouta and Jamal Sellami.

The Jordan Football Association announced Zaki’s appointment on Sunday, confirming he has signed a one-year contract to lead the Nashama through the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.

Third successive Moroccan to take charge

Zaki becomes the third consecutive Moroccan to manage Jordan, following Ammouta and Sellami, who both enjoyed landmark achievements during their time in charge.

Ammouta guided Jordan to their first-ever AFC Asian Cup final in 2024, leading the team to a memorable semi-final victory over South Korea before they were beaten by hosts Qatar in the final. He stepped down in June 2024, with Sellami taking over.

Sellami continued Jordan’s progress by steering the country to its first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification. The achievement was sealed with a 3-0 victory over Oman, earning Jordan a place at the 2026 tournament.

Although Jordan exited the World Cup at the group stage, the Jordan Football Association credited Sellami for his role in delivering one of the greatest milestones in the nation’s football history before ending his tenure.

Zaki brings wealth of international experience

Jordan will now look to Zaki to build on those achievements as preparations begin for the 2027 Asian Cup.

The former Morocco international is one of the continent’s most experienced coaches and previously managed the Atlas Lions on two occasions. During his first spell, he guided Morocco to the final of the 2004 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished runners-up.

His appointment reflects the confidence Jordanian football continues to place in Moroccan coaches, whose tactical expertise has played a significant role in the national team’s rise on the Asian stage.

For African football, Zaki’s move is another example of the growing demand for coaching talent from the continent, with Moroccan managers continuing to earn opportunities beyond Africa following their recent success on the international stage.