Morocco were crowned FIFA Arab Cup champions after the Atlas Lions secured a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in the final at the Lusail Stadium.
Second-half substitute Abderrazak Hamdallah struck twice, including the winner in the 100th minute, to settle a gripping final that lived up to its billing as a clash between the tournament’s best defence and most potent attack. Despite heavy downpour, 84,517 fans attended the final.
Morocco began on the front foot and were rewarded almost immediately. Just four minutes in, Oussama Tannane opened the scoring with a crisp finish after being teed up by Amin Zahzouh, giving the Atlas Lions the perfect start.
Morocco dominated much of the first half, forcing a string of corners and saves from the Jordanian goalkeeper, while their well-drilled back line once again stood firm. Jordan threatened sporadically, but Morocco went into the break 1-0 ahead, having largely dictated the tempo.
Jordan emerged with renewed intensity after the interval and struck back within three minutes of the restart. Ali Olwan, the tournament’s leading scorer, finished clinically from close range after an assist by Mohannad Abutaha to level the match at 1-1.
Momentum swung further Jordan’s way on 68 minutes when VAR awarded a penalty following a foul in the box. Olwan stepped up and converted confidently to give The Nashama a 2-1 lead.
Morocco refused to yield and coach Tariq Sektioui’s substitutions proved decisive. Introduced in the 71st minute, Hamdallah made an immediate impact. After sustained pressure, the striker equalised in the 88th minute, calmly finishing after a goalmouth scramble, with VAR confirming the goal.
Jordan came close to snatching a winner in stoppage time, but Morocco’s goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid produced a crucial save to send the final into extra time at 2-2.With both sides pushing for glory, Morocco’s experience told. In the 100th minute, Marwane Saadane slipped a precise pass into Hamdallah’s path and the forward made no mistake, firing home his second of the night to restore Morocco’s lead at 3-2.
Jordan threw everything forward in the closing stages, registering several late efforts and forcing desperate defending, but Morocco’s back line – so impressive throughout the tournament – held firm once more to see out the victory.