Morocco defeat Jordan in dramatic Arab Cup final
After a day of intense rain in Doha, Morocco were crowned champions of the 2025 Arab Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Jordan in a final marked by constant momentum swings at Lusail Stadium.
The match kicked off in electrifying fashion, with Morocco needing less than five minutes to open the scoring. Oussama Tannane, spotting an open goal from behind the halfway line, launched a bold attempt that sent Moroccan fans into a frenzy as the ball crossed the line.
Jordan, stunned by the opener — goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila crashing into the post in his attempt to prevent the goal — showed no immediate signs of backing down.
Morocco soon began to take greater control of the game, coming inches away from doubling their lead, only to be denied by a brave clearance from Issam Smeeri.
The second half saw a complete shift in momentum. It took Jordan less than three minutes to equalise, as tournament top scorer Ali Olwan met Mohannad Abu Taha’s cross with a composed header past El Mehdi Benabid in the 48th minute.
Jordan continued to apply pressure, with the referee called to the VAR monitor in the 65th minute after Achraf El-Mahdioui handled the ball inside the penalty area.
The decision to award a penalty sent Jordan fans into celebration, and Olwan made no mistake from the spot to score his second of the night and sixth of the tournament.
A sustained spell of Moroccan offense followed, with the Atlas Lions pushing relentlessly in a bid to break down the compact Nashama.
Morocco’s persistence finally paid off through Abdelrazzak Hamedallah. In a frantic penalty-area scramble, he ultimately forced the ball over the line, only for celebrations to be halted as an offside flag was raised.
A tense VAR review followed, holding Lusail in suspense. When the goal was eventually confirmed, Moroccan fans and players erupted in relief as they found themselves back in the game in the 87th minute.
Ali Olwan, in search of his hat-trick, saw two late chances in regular time fail to restore Jordan’s lead as extra time beckoned.
Jordan emerged for extra time with no intention of sitting back. Just 15 seconds into the first half, a stunning strike from Mohannad Abu Taha found the net to make it 3-2, only for the goal to be ruled out for an apparent handball.
Morocco capitalised on their momentum, pushing forward with intent as another set piece led to their third of the night. Hamedallah added to his tally after an acrobatic bicycle kick by Marwan Saadane created an opening in the 100th minute.
The momentum swung once again, with Jordan immediately finding themselves on the attack, only for Hussam Abu Dahab’s shot to marginally skim past the outside of the post.
Fatigue began to show in the closing phases of extra time, allowing Morocco to manage the final moments and secure their first Arab Cup title since 2012. Jordan’s players dropped to the turf at full time, their historic run ending in heartbreak.
It is worth noting that the third-place play-off took place earlier in the day, with the match between Saudi Arabia and the UAE abandoned due to adverse weather conditions, with FIFA set to confirm the outcome at a later stage.
