Jordan make history as they reach Arab Cup final for first time with narrow victory over Saudi Arabia

Deprived of the services of Yazan Al-Naimat, who suffered a devastating knee injury in their quarter-final against Iraq, Jordan delivered a brave performance, greatly limiting the Saudi attacking threat across the 90 minutes.

The semi-final at Al-Bayt Stadium in Qatar attracted the highest attendance of the tournament so far, a vibrant crowd of 62,825. Both sides began cautiously, with Jordan lining up in a robust 5-4-1 formation that sought to restrict Salem Al-Dawsari and Saleh Abou Al-Shamat in the final third.

The game opened up a little after the break, as a tactical change from Jordan helped them gain greater control on the counterattack. Mohammed Abu Zrayq in particular proved influential down the right flank as he stretched the Saudi defense and gave the Nashama more attacking momentum.

The decisive moment, however, came from the opposite side. Mahmoud Al-Mardi delivered a dipping cross from the left, catching the Green Falcons’ defense off guard, and Al-Rashdan rose to head home the only goal of the match in the 66th minute.

Saudi Arabia responded with a series of substitutions, including the introduction of Al-Qadsiah midfielder Musab Al-Juwayr. The former Al-Hilal player helped link play between Al-Dawsari and Feras Al-Brikan down the left channel as the Saudis pressed for the equalizer.

Al-Brikan and then Saleh Al-Shehri both went close but Yazeed Abulaila stood firm in goal, producing a crucial save just minutes after Jordan took the lead.

The match ended on a particularly sour note for Saudi Arabia when last man Waleed Al-Ahmed was shown a straight red card in the closing moments after bringing down an opponent to halt a counterattack, as Jordan saw out their historic victory.

They now face Morocco, who earlier in the day defeated the UAE 3-0, in the final on Thursday.

Morocco reach Arab Cup final by defeating UAE

The Atlas Lions once again showcased their organization and composure at the back as they took control of the semifinal and capitalized clinically at the other end.

Morocco opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark when Karim El-Berkaoui rose highest to head home Hamza El-Moussaoui’s cross, a breakthrough that reflected their growing dominance.

True to form, taking the lead proved decisive for a side that have been nearly impenetrable throughout the tournament, with their only concession so far coming via an own goal in their opening match.

The UAE struggled to find space through the middle and were largely restricted to long-range efforts and hopeful deliveries into the box, all of which were comfortably dealt with by central defenders Soufiane Bouftini and Marwane Saadane.

Morocco added the finishing touches late on as their substitutes combined to decisive effect.

Abderrazak Hamdallah turned provider for Aschraf El-Mahdioui, who finished calmly from close range, before Hamdallah capped the performance by converting Mohamed Boulacsout’s cross to seal the result.

Morocco will now await the winner of the second semifinal between Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which takes place later on Monday at Al-Bayt Stadium.