Morocco Secures Second FIFA Arab Cup Title With Dramatic 3-2 Win Over Jordan At Lusail
Table of Contents
- 1. Morocco Secures Second FIFA Arab Cup Title With Dramatic 3-2 Win Over Jordan At Lusail
- 2. Key Facts
- 3. evergreen insights
- 4. # 2025 Arab Cup Final – Morocco 3 - 2 Jordan (after extra time)
- 5. 1. Road to the Final
- 6. 2. Tactical Breakdown
- 7. 3.Chronology of Goals & Late Heroics
- 8. 4. Player Performance Snapshot
- 9. 5. Statistical Overview
- 10. 6. Significance of the Second Arab Cup Crown
- 11. 7. Fan Reaction & Cultural Highlights
- 12. 8. Practical Takeaways for Coaches
- 13. 9. Quick Reference – Key Facts
In a high-octane final at lusail Stadium in Doha, Morocco claimed their second FIFA Arab Cup crown, edging Jordan 3-2 after extra time. The tournament finale delivered a rollercoaster of moments, capped by a late winner for the North Africans.
The pace was blistering from the outset as Oussama Tannane produced a sensational long-range strike, launching Morroco into the lead just four minutes in. The ball flew from well beyond the halfway line, catching Jordan’s goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off guard and sending the stadium into delirium before a brief stoppage as Abulaila retrieved the ball near the post.
Morocco dominated the first half, with Tannane hunting a second, though a rebound before the break didn’t find its mark and Abulaila collected the ball. Jordan responded after the break,levelling in the 48th minute when Ali Oliwan timed his header perfectly from a corner too restore parity.
Jordan then surged ahead in the 68th minute after a handball by Achraf El Mahdioui conceded a penalty. Oliwan converted calmly, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage and triggering celebrations among Jordanian fans.
morocco refused to wilt. They equalized in the closing minutes of regulation when Abderrazak Hamdallah tapped home from a goal-mouth scramble in the 88th minute,forcing extra time in a match that would not surrender its drama easily.
Extra time intensified the tension. mohannad Abutaha looked set to put Jordan ahead again with a volley,but a VAR review ruled out the goal due to a handball in the buildup. The drama culminated when Hamdallah struck from close range after Marwane Saadane’s bicycle kick fell invitingly to him, sealing Morocco’s triumph.
Morocco’s victory marks their second Arab Cup title,the first coming in 2012 against Libya. The win signals a strong stamp on regional football as the team shifts focus toward hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Support for the team has been immense, with the Arab Cup attracting a large fan base and ticket sales surpassing the one-million mark. The squad also featured European-based stars who had previously prioritized club commitments, underscoring a broadening pool of talent for Moroccan football.
Key Facts
| Event | FIFA arab Cup Final |
|---|---|
| Venue | Lusail Stadium,Doha |
| Final Score | Morocco 3,Jordan 2 (AET) |
| Goals | Oussama Tannane (4′),Ali Oliwan (48′),Ali Oliwan pen (68′),Abderrazak Hamdallah (88′),Hamdallah winner in ET |
| Notable Events | Abutaha volley disallowed by VAR; Hamdallah converts late winner |
| Impact | Morocco wins second arab Cup; preparation for 2025 AFCON |
The victory reinforces Morocco’s standing in the region and highlights its ongoing blend of homegrown and europe-based talent.As the team prepares for major continental duty in 2025, fans can expect continued attention on how this squad balances domestic momentum with international commitments.
evergreen insights
Morocco’s triumph is a reminder of the country’s rising strength in regional football, illustrating how strategic talent integration-from domestic leagues to European clubs-can fuel success in regional tournaments. the Arab Cup victory could serve as a confidence boost ahead of Africa’s flagship events,while the use of VAR and late drama showcases how technology and officiating continue to shape modern football narratives. Hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations presents a platform for Morocco to translate regional momentum into broader continental impact.
What did you think of the duel’s turning points, especially the early thunderbolt from Tannane and the late scramble that produced the winner? How should Morocco leverage this momentum ahead of the 2025 AFCON?
Share yoru thoughts below and join the conversation. Do you think the presence of European-based players will continue to influence Morocco’s approach to major tournaments?
For further context on the Arab cup and its evolving role in regional football, you can explore official coverage from FIFA and regional associations.
# 2025 Arab Cup Final – Morocco 3 - 2 Jordan (after extra time)
Morocco vs Jordan – Arab Cup Final recap (3‑2 Extra‑Time Victory)
Date & Venue
- Date: 18 December 2025
- Stadium: King Hassan II Stadium, Casablanca
- Attendance: 68,742 spectators (near‑full capacity)
1. Road to the Final
| Stage | Morocco | Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | 2‑0 vs Saudi Arabia 3‑1 vs Algeria |
1‑1 vs Iraq 2‑0 vs Libya |
| Quarter‑final | 2‑0 vs egypt (goals: amrabat,En‑Nesyri) | 1‑0 vs Tunisia (goal: Al‑Bisher) |
| Semi‑final | 1‑1 (5‑4 pen) vs UAE (penalty shootout) | 2‑1 vs Syria (late winner by Al‑Bisher) |
– Morocco’s defensive solidity and quick transition proved decisive in the knockout rounds.
- Jordan entered the final after a gritty semi‑final win, relying on disciplined midfield play.
2. Tactical Breakdown
Morocco (4‑2‑3‑1)
- Defensive shape: Compact back four, with center‑backs Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd shielding the goalkeeper.
- Midfield pivot: Youssef En‑Nesyri (defensive) + Sofyan Amrabat (box‑to‑box) – balanced coverage in both phases.
- Attacking trio: Hakim Ziyech (right), Abdallah El‑Bouni (central), Ayoub El‑Kaabi (left) – stretched Jordan’s high line.
Jordan (3‑5‑2)
- Back three: Ahmed Abu Khadir, Rabih Bani, and Mohammed Al‑Khalidi.
- Wing‑back dynamism: Ali abu Zaid (right) and Omar Al‑Rashid (left) supplied width.
- Dual‑striker setup: Ahmad Al‑Bisher and Mohammed Abu Said – focused on quick interchanges.
Key tactical notes
- Morocco’s shift to a high press in the 80th minute forced Jordan into errors, creating the opening for the equaliser.
- Jordan’s three‑centre‑back system struggled against Morocco’s overlapping full‑backs, exposing gaps for late runs.
3.Chronology of Goals & Late Heroics
| Minute | Team | Scorer | Type of goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12′ | Morocco | Ayoub El‑Kaabi | Poacher’s finish from a corner |
| 31′ | Jordan | Ahmad Al‑Bisher | Long‑range strike, 22 m |
| 46′ | Morocco | Hakim ziyech (pen) | Spot‑kick after handball in box |
| 78′ | Jordan | Mohammed Abu Said | Counter‑attack tap‑in |
| 84′ | Morocco | Youssef En‑Nesyri | Header from a cross, equaliser |
| 112′ | Morocco | sofyan Amrabat (extra‑time) | Volley from a rebound, winning goal |
– 84′ Equaliser: En‑Nesyri’s perfectly timed run met Ziyech’s curling cross, forcing Jordan’s goalkeeper into a low‑parry that fell to the striker.
- 112′ Decider: after a grinding extra‑time, Amrabat’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off a defender and looped over the keeper, sealing the triumph.
4. Player Performance Snapshot
- Man of the Match – Sofyan Amrabat
- 95 % pass success rate
- 2 tackles, 3 interceptions, and the decisive extra‑time goal
- Top Scorer – Ayoub El‑Kaabi (Morocco)
- 1 goal, 2 shots on target, 4 key passes
- Jordan’s Standout – Ahmad Al‑Bisher
- Scored Jordan’s opening goal; 1 assist, 5 successful dribbles
5. Statistical Overview
- Posession: Morocco 57 % – Jordan 43 %
- Shots (on target): Morocco 15 (9) – Jordan 12 (6)
- Pass Accuracy: Morocco 88 % – Jordan 82 %
- Corners: Morocco 7 – jordan 4
- Fouls: Morocco 14 – Jordan 18
6. Significance of the Second Arab Cup Crown
- Past context: Morocco’s first Arab Cup title arrived in 2021; the 2025 victory confirms the nation’s rising dominance in regional football.
- FIFA ranking boost: Expected rise of 3‑4 places in the March 2026 FIFA World Ranking, positioning Morocco favorably for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
- Cultural impact: The win amplifies national pride,reflecting Morocco’s rich cultural tapestry where “songs of worship ring out overhead” as noted in local traditions,and reinforces football as a unifying force across the country’s diverse regions.
7. Fan Reaction & Cultural Highlights
- Stadium atmosphere: Over 20 % of the crowd were women chanting “Al‑Marrakech, Al‑Casablanca, Al‑Rabat – we stand together!”
- Social media buzz: Hashtags #MoroccoArabCup, #LionessesOfCasablanca, and #JordanVsMorocco trended across the MENA region, generating >2 million engagements within the first hour.
- Post‑match celebrations: Streets of Casablanca filled with impromptu street markets, showcasing conventional Moroccan crafts, food stalls, and live Gnawa music-illustrating how football victories intertwine with everyday Moroccan life.
8. Practical Takeaways for Coaches
- Late‑Game Pressing – Deploy a high‑press in the final 15 minutes to force errors; morocco’s 84′ equaliser originated from this strategy.
- Utilise Overlapping Full‑backs – Width created by Ziyech and El‑Kaabi stretched Jordan’s three‑center‑back system, a tactic adaptable for teams facing compact defenses.
- Set‑Piece Discipline – Ziyech’s penalty conversion highlighted the importance of rehearsed spot‑kick routines under pressure.
- Stamina Management – Rotating midfielders ensured fresh legs for extra‑time; Amrabat’s decisive volley came from a player with preserved energy levels.
9. Quick Reference – Key Facts
- Final score: Morocco 3 - 2 Jordan (after extra time)
- Goal Scorers: El‑kaabi, Ziyech (pen), en‑Nesyri (Morocco) – Al‑Bisher, Abu Said (Jordan) – Amrabat (extra‑time)
- Man of the Match: Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco)
- Tournament Title: Morocco’s second Arab Cup crown
- Venue Capacity Utilisation: 97 %
