• Based on recent technical assessments and training sessions, the Jordanian national team is expected to enter the match with an attacking lineup

All eyes in the Arab sports scene are set on Al-Khor City this Wednesday evening, as the Al Bayt Stadium opens its doors to host a high-stakes football derby between Jordan’s “Nashama” and the UAE’s “White” in the opening match for both teams in Group C of the 2025 Arab Cup. This clash carries great significance for both coaches, as all three points are key to advancing to the knockout stages in a group that allows no room for complacency.

In recent hours, Jordan’s head coach, Moroccan Jamal Salami, has finalized the tactical plan he intends to adopt after a series of intensive training sessions in Doha.

The coaching staff focused on ensuring players fully understand the tactical concepts, whether in building the attack or tightening defensive coverage, especially since the “Nashama” enter the tournament aiming to maintain the strong image they’ve established recently following historic achievements.

The coaching staff breathed a sigh of relief after confirming the fitness and readiness of star player Yazn Al-Naimat, who has fully recovered from a minor injury, making him a key asset from the first minute.

The same applies to the returning duo Mahmoud Mardi and Ali Alwan, who missed the recent Tunisia camp, giving Salami diverse attacking options to break through the UAE defense.

On the other hand, the main challenge for the coaching staff remains filling the gap left by the “defensive rock” Yazn Al-Arab, as the coach weighs which players are most ready to secure the backline and prevent disruption against the UAE’s fast attack.

Based on technical data and recent training, Jordan is expected to start with Yazid Abu Leila in goal. The defensive line will likely feature Abdullah Naseeb, Salim Obeid, and Saad Al-Rousan, supported by fullbacks Muhannad Abu Tah and Adham Al-Qurashi.

In midfield, Salami will rely on the duo Nizar Al-Rashdan and Ibrahim Saada to control the rhythm, while using the skills of Ahmed Al-Arsan and Ali Alwan to create opportunities for the center-forward Yazn Al-Naimat.

Meanwhile, the UAE team is motivated to surprise their opponent, relying on a squad led by experienced goalkeeper Khaled Essa, with a defensive line of Alaa Eldin Zuhair, Bimanta Perez Lopez, Kwame Kwadwo, and Ruben Amaral.

In midfield, key names include Yahya Nader, Marcos Meloni, Luan Pereira, and Bruno, while the attack is spearheaded by the dangerous duo Nicolas Jimenez and Caio Lucas.