Baheya Faisal's Return to the National Team
In a significant development for Jordan's national football team, striker Baheya Faisal, who currently plays for Al-Wahda in Qatar, has been called up to join the national squad for an upcoming training camp scheduled for the end of this month. This announcement has been met with widespread acclaim from a large segment of the Jordanian fanbase, who expressed their satisfaction through various social media platforms, celebrating the player’s return to the "Nashama" after a prolonged absence from international competitions.
The call-up was officially announced by Al-Wahda on their social media accounts, aligning with the team’s preparations for the imminent challenges ahead, notably the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Faisal's last appearance for the national team was during the Arab Cup in 2021, where he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury during a group stage match against Morocco, which sidelined him for an extended period and limited his availability for national team selection.
Mixed Reactions and Tactical Considerations
Despite the fanfare surrounding Faisal's return, his call-up raised several questions among supporters regarding whether his inclusion was a direct result of the injury sustained by fellow striker Yazan Al-Naimat, who is facing difficulties in participating in upcoming fixtures. Alternatively, some speculate that Faisal's selection reflects his impressive form in the Qatari league, as the national team seeks additional offensive options during this critical phase.
National coach Othman Al-Hassanat remarked that Faisal's inclusion was somewhat delayed, suggesting that the player deserved to be part of the national setup earlier. He emphasized that calling him up now might present challenges, as it would have been more beneficial to have Faisal integrated into the squad before the recently concluded Arab Cup, where the "Nashama" finished as runners-up.
Sport analyst Raafat Al-Abadi echoed similar sentiments, noting that the national coaching staff, led by coach Jamal Salami, is actively seeking offensive alternatives following Al-Naimat's injury. Al-Abadi pointed out that Faisal, known for his ability as a target man within the penalty area, may not perfectly fit the tactical 3-4-3 formation typically employed by Salami. However, his strong technical skills and recent performances warrant his opportunity to contribute to the national team.
Moreover, Al-Abadi highlighted that Salami had previously indicated the possibility of calling up Faisal during a training camp in Tunisia last year, which has now come to fruition. Coach Mohammed Al-Ababneh also stressed that Faisal should have been part of the national team for quite some time, even if only as a bench option. He believes that the player can adapt to the team's tactical style, especially since Al-Naimat played a similar role as a primary striker.
In conclusion, as the national team prepares for a new gathering later this month, where they will face Costa Rica and Nigeria in friendly matches, the presence of a player like Baheya Faisal could provide the "Nashama" with additional offensive solutions. The call-up has also prompted discussions about the potential inclusion of other talented players, such as Yusuf Abu Jalboush from Al-Hussein Irbid, who deserves recognition for his impressive abilities in a creative role behind the strikers.
As reported by alghad.com.
