The Significance of Bahaa Faisal's Return to the National Team
The recent call-up of Bahaa Faisal, a forward for Al-Wahda Club in Qatar, to the Jordanian national football team has garnered widespread acclaim from a significant segment of the Jordanian fan base. Many supporters took to social media platforms to express their joy over the player's return to the 'Nashama' squad after a prolonged absence from international play. This call-up comes as the team prepares for upcoming challenges, notably the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifications.
Faisal's last appearance with the national team dates back to the 2021 Arab Cup, where he sustained a severe injury to his anterior cruciate ligament during a match against Morocco in the group stage. This injury sidelined him for an extended period, diminishing his presence in the national team's lineup and limiting his options on the pitch. The recent announcement by his club about his selection for the national team has sparked debates among fans, questioning whether his return is a direct response to the injury suffered by teammate Yazan Al-Naimat, who is also dealing with a serious ligament injury. This situation has raised concerns about Al-Naimat's availability for future tournaments and has left the national team in search of additional offensive options.
Expert Opinions on the Timing and Necessity of Faisal's Inclusion
National coach Othman Al-Hassanat remarked that while Faisal's call-up is a positive development, it is somewhat overdue, as the player was deserving of selection during previous periods. He emphasized that the timing of this selection might present challenges, particularly since it would have been more beneficial to integrate him into the squad before the last edition of the Arab Cup, where the national team finished as runners-up. Al-Hassanat noted that earlier inclusion would have allowed Faisal to acclimate better to the team dynamics and the tactical strategies employed by the coaching staff.
Sports analyst Raafat Al-Abadi shared similar sentiments, suggesting that Faisal's selection is a part of the coaching staff's ongoing search for offensive alternatives in light of Al-Naimat's injury. Al-Abadi described Faisal as a traditional striker, often referred to as a 'target man' within the penalty area. He acknowledged that while Faisal's playing style may not perfectly align with the coach's typical 3-4-3 formation, his technical abilities merit his inclusion in the team, especially given his impressive performances with his club in Qatar.
Moreover, Al-Abadi pointed out that the national team had opportunities to utilize Faisal during the last Arab Cup, which could have provided the coaching staff with insights into his current form and capabilities. Coach Mohammad Al-Ababneh reinforced this idea, stating that a player of Faisal's caliber should have been considered for selection earlier, even if it was just to occupy a bench position.
Al-Ababneh concluded by emphasizing the need for the coaching staff to have multiple tactical options rather than relying on a single strategy. The inclusion of a player like Bahaa Faisal offers additional offensive solutions, and he highlighted that fellow player Youssef Abu Jalboush from Al-Hussein Irbid also deserves a chance on the national team due to his impressive skills behind the strikers. The national team is gearing up for a new training camp in the latter part of this month, featuring friendly matches against Costa Rica and Nigeria.
As reported by alghad.com.
