Jordan U23 receives a huge psychological boost ahead of their opening match against Vietnam U23.
The presence of Technical Director Jamal Sellami in Jeddah further motivates the Jordan U23 team, turning their opening match of the 2026 AFC U23 Championship into a rigorous test.
The Jordan U23 team is entering the 2026 AFC U23 Asian Championship in top form thanks to the unexpected arrival of Technical Director Jamal Sellami. The presence of this influential figure at their headquarters in Jeddah is seen as a timely "doping boost," elevating the West Asian team's determination to a high level ahead of their clash with Vietnam U23 on January 6th.
Positive pressure from the 2026 World Cup strategy.
Although he doesn't directly supervise or interfere with the work of head coach Omar Najhi, Jamal Sellami's presence is strategically important. He currently serves as a bridge between the Jordanian youth teams and the national team, and is also responsible for assessing personnel for the journey towards the 2026 World Cup.
Jordanian media outlets have commented that every minute the young players spend on the field is now a direct test under the watchful eye of the national team's coaching staff. This pressure doesn't deter the players; on the contrary, it motivates them to strive to surpass their usual performance levels in order to impress the Moroccan technical director.
A solid professional foundation despite staff shortages.
In terms of personnel, the Jordan U23 team traveled to Saudi Arabia without several key players such as Ali Al-Azaizeh and Ibrahim Sabra because the tournament was not a FIFA Days event. However, the team's confidence remained undiminished thanks to their thorough preparation in Qatar.
Before the tournament, Jordan demonstrated their strength with two impressive draws against strong opponents, Uzbekistan U23 (0-0) and Japan U23 (1-1). These results showed the disciplined defensive organization and strong competitive spirit of the players currently playing domestically under coach Omar Najhi.
A test of character for the Vietnam U23 team.
The recent rise of Jordanian football, with their runner-up finish at the 2023 Asian Cup and qualification for the 2026 World Cup, has created a huge foundation of expectations for the current U23 team. Jamal Sellami's direct presence at this tournament demonstrates Jordan's considerable ambition to assert its position on the continental stage.
For the Vietnam U23 team, the encounter at King Abdullah Stadium is not only a tactical challenge but also a test of character. The Vietnam U23 coach and his players will have to face a team in peak morale, eager to prove themselves and open the door to the national team.
Currently, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also announced the provisional list of participating teams. The Vietnam U23 team has also begun to reveal its final personnel for this campaign, ready for the crucial match that will greatly affect their ambitions to advance in the group.
