Jordanian Coach Expresses Concerns over Timing of Kuwait Match
Jordan's coach Jamal Salami is worried about playing Kuwait at 2 PM local time today in the Arab Cup, saying the midday heat will be a major challenge his team needs to prepare for. Jordan wants to secure their second straight win after beating UAE 2-1, which would guarantee their spot in the quarterfinals.
The Moroccan coach didn't hold back about the timing concerns during his press conference in Doha. "Our match against Kuwait is at 2 PM during the hottest part of the day, and this is a factor we must deal with to find the right solutions," Salami said.
Playing in Qatar's desert heat during midday hours can drain players quickly and affect performance. Teams often struggle with the physical demands, especially when tournament schedules don't account for the harsh climate conditions.
Jordan sits in a strong position in Group 3 after their opening victory over UAE. Another win today would put them through to the knockout rounds with a game to spare. But Salami knows Kuwait won't make it easy.
"They're a respectable and strong opponent," he said about Kuwait. "If you don't deal with them in a special way, they can punish you at any moment."
Kuwait will be desperate for points after likely dropping their opening match. That makes them dangerous - teams with their backs against the wall often play with nothing to lose.
The heat factor could actually favor the team that manages it better tactically. Coaches might rotate players more frequently or adjust their pressing intensity to conserve energy for crucial moments.
For Jordan, this represents a chance to build momentum early in the tournament. Getting through the group stage quickly would allow them to rest key players and avoid potential injuries before the more challenging knockout rounds begin.
Sara Khaled