Morroco's players celebrate with the trophy after winning the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Doha: Coach Tariq Sektioui sank to his knees, bowing in prostration, while jubilant players clung to one another in a mix of relief and euphoria as Morocco clinched the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in a rollercoaster final.
Hana Ramadan/The Peninsula
The Lusail Stadium, which hosted the memorable FIFA World Cup 2022 final, delivered another blockbuster title clash that swung both ways on Thursday night.
Despite rare rains coinciding with Qatar’s National Day celebrations, over 85,500 spectators packed the stadium, creating a cauldron-like atmosphere.
It was Morocco’s second Arab Cup trophy since their triumph in 2012, and their first under FIFA’s banner, with the inaugural edition having been won by Algeria — also in Qatar, which will host the 2029 and 2033 editions of the regional competition.
The final had all the ingredients of a pulsating battle. Oussama Tannane’s strike from around 60 yards handed Morocco an early lead and sent the crowd into a frenzy, only for Jordan to hit back through Ali Olwan, who headed an equaliser early in the second half and later converted a penalty to put Jamal Sellami’s side ahead.
Morocco’s Abderrazzaq Hamdallah equalised with just two minutes remaining and then scored the winner in extra time, sealing the trophy.
Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, crowned Morocco champions as the 18-day spectacle, featuring 32 matches and several records, concluded in great fashion.
Jordan’s impressive run, finishing as the highest-scoring team with 12 goals, ended in heartbreak, but the team will return home confident as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Olwan finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals.
Hana Ramadan/The Peninsula
The final started at a frenetic pace, with both teams earning set pieces outside the box. Tannane’s spectacular strike then stunned Jordan and their supporters. The Umm Salal winger fired from well inside his own half, beyond the halfway line, finding the right corner of Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila’s net. Abulaila, caught off his line, collided with the post and required on-pitch treatment.
The Jordan goalkeeper later redeemed himself by diving to block Karim El Berkaoui’s low drive. Jordan responded with several attacks but were repeatedly denied by Morocco’s defence.
Alexandra Evangelista/The Peninsula
Morocco's forward #9 Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Morocco goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid comfortably collected Husam Abudahab’s tame header, Jordan’s first effort on target, after the half-hour mark.
Tannane almost doubled his tally late in the first half, but Issam Smeeri blocked his shot with the goalkeeper off guard.
The second half began in Jordan’s favour as they quickly drew level. Mohannad Abu Taha delivered a precise cross from the left, and Olwan rose highest to head in from close range.
The goal energised the match and electrified the crowd. Notably, it was Benabid’s first goal conceded to an opponent since an own goal against Comoros in the group stage.
Jordan's forward #9 Ali Olwan celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 final football match between Jordan and Morocco at the Lusail Stadium Stadium, in Lusail on December 18, 2025. (Photo by Karim JAAFAR / AFP)
Jordan’s momentum continued. Nizar Al Rashdan tested Morocco with a low shot from outside the box that went wide. The breakthrough came when VAR ruled a handball by Achraf El Mahdioui inside the box from Mahmoud Al Mardi’s attempt, awarding Jordan a penalty. Olwan stepped up and converted to put Jordan ahead.
Jordan remained composed, testing Morocco’s defence with calculated attacks and refusing to sit back.
But, Morocco staged a dramatic late revival. With just two minutes remaining, a corner saw Abulaila block a header, but his clearance fell to Hamadallah, who struck the left post before chipping the ball onto the roof of the net to equalise. VAR allowed the goal after an initial offside call.
In nine minutes of stoppage time, Olwan came close to winning it, his shot from the centre of the box sailing over the bar. The striker later faced a one-on-one with the goalkeeper on a counterattack but could not convert, sending the match into extra time.
Extra time drama began immediately as Abu Taha thought he had regained Jordan’s lead with a left-footed strike, but VAR disallowed the goal for handball. Ten minutes later, Morocco won a free kick on the edge of the box, and Hamadallah struck from close range to secure the trophy.
Morocco will head home for the African Cup of Nations kicking on Sunday before they start their preparations for the World Cup.
Third position match cancelled
Earlier, the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 third-place playoff between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at Khalifa International Stadium was abandoned before the start of the second half after the referee decided not to resume play, citing the prolonged stoppage caused by adverse and unpredictable weather conditions and concerns for player safety.
The first half of the rain-affected match ended scoreless.
“While the venue retained full operational integrity and the pitch remained in good condition, this action was taken by the referee and match officials to ensure the safety of all the players, fans and staff at the stadium,” FIFA said.
“The decision to award the Third Place winner will be decided in due course by the relevant committee within FIFA.”
