Coach Tariq Sektioui has etched his name in gold in the annals of Arab football, after leading the Moroccan national team to a remarkable achievement by winning the 2025 Arab Cup. This triumph came after an exciting and tactical victory over the Jordanian national team, led by his compatriot, national coach Jamal Sellami, in the final match held in the World Cup stadiums in Qatar, amidst a huge crowd and an enthusiastic atmosphere reminiscent of the 2022 World Cup.
End of a historic derby curse in the coaching derby
This victory wasn't just another title added to Moroccan football's trophy cabinet; it held special personal significance for coach Tarik Sektioui. The match marked the end of a long-standing "curse" that had plagued him for years in his head-to-head encounters with Jamal Sellami. Looking back at their head-to-head history, the two coaches had met seven times previously, mostly in the Moroccan Professional League, where Sektioui had failed to secure a single victory, managing only three draws and suffering four defeats. This eighth encounter, the most crucial in their careers, finally granted Sektioui his first and most precious win, breaking the losing streak at the perfect time.
Moroccan football dominance and the brilliance of national coaches
This triumph confirms the continued qualitative leap Moroccan football has experienced in recent years, both at the national team and club levels. The fact that two Moroccan coaches (Sektioui and Sellami) reached the final of a major regional tournament like the Arab Cup is conclusive proof of the competence of Moroccan technical staff and their ability to lead on the international stage. This all-Moroccan final, from a coaching perspective, reflects the significant development in the tactical approach of the Moroccan school of football, which has become highly sought after in the Arab and Asian arenas.
Jordan's path and future challenges
On the other hand, despite the loss, the Jordanian national team, under the leadership of Jamal Sellami, deserves credit for reaching the final. The "Nashama" (Jordanian team) proved themselves a force to be reckoned with in Arab and Asian football, building upon their previous achievements. The final match was highly competitive and a fiercely contested tactical battle, ultimately decided by the smallest details and the attacking prowess of the Atlas Lions, securing them the title and giving coach Sektioui an achievement that will forever be etched in his memory.
Head-to-head statistics (Sektioui vs Salmi)
- Number of matches: 8
- Al-Salami's victory: 4 matches
- Fawaz Al-Saktoui: One match (Arab Cup Final 2025)
- Draws: 3 matches
