The Syria Football Association has appointed Tunisian Nabil Maaloul as the national team head coach. The former Tunisia head coach announced his role on social media, having arrived in Damascus on Sunday to discuss terms with the Syria FA.

“I’m glad to be assigned as head coach of the Syria national team and happy with the trust of the Syria Football Association,” said Maaloul in his Tweet.

“Our main target will be to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar 2022.”

The 57-year-old Maaloul replaces Fajr Ibrahim whose contract ended last December, having led Syria to the top of Group A of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023. Syria claimed five victories from as many games, and have a comfortable eight-point lead over China PR and Philippines.

The Qasioun Eagles still have three matches to play, with Maldives up next before away ties against Guam and China.

Maaloul has extensive experience in Asian football, having coached Kuwait in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and 2015 AFC Asian Cup Finals.

He also took charge of Qatar clubs El Jaish in 2014 and Al Duhail last season. He guided Tunisia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

He has long resume that reflects his achievement both as a player and coach.

He was capped 74 times for his country, and participated in 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. He is currently the coach of Al Duhail SC.