Kooralife from Doha
Morocco’s national team ascended to the podium of the Arab Cup in Qatar, clinching the title after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Jordan in a gripping final held at the Lusail World Cup Stadium on Thursday evening. The match unfolded amidst rainy conditions and a massive crowd, creating a full-bodied football spectacle.
Despite pre-match concerns due to heavy rainfall, the encounter kicked off as scheduled, officiated by Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg, setting the stage for one of the most exciting finals in the tournament’s history.
The “Atlas Lions” began the match with undeniable confidence, wasting no time in making their mark. Oussama Tannane stunned everyone in the fourth minute with a long-range shot that caught Jordanian goalkeeper Yazid Abu Layla off guard, giving Morocco an early lead that will be etched in the tournament’s memory.
Following the goal, the Moroccan team maintained high pressure and dominated the midfield, capitalizing on Rabie Hrimat’s movements and excellent collective positioning. In contrast, the Jordanian team struggled significantly to advance the ball and construct organized attacks. Walid Azarou nearly added a second goal, but the Jordanian goalkeeper made two consecutive crucial saves.
Morocco suffered an forced setback with Karim El Berkaoui’s injury-induced departure. However, this did not disrupt the team’s balance, which concluded the first half with a lead and sustained possession, amidst evident Jordanian caution.
The second half saw a shift in the match’s dynamics, as “Al-Nashama” (Jordan) came out strong and quickly equalized through Ali Olwan’s precise header. This goal brought the match back to square one and ignited the stands.
The intensity further escalated after a penalty was awarded to Jordan in the 64th minute, which Olwan converted to secure his second goal, placing the Moroccan team in a complex situation. This prompted Tarik Skitioui to make attacking substitutions in pursuit of a comeback.
Morocco’s pressure intensified in the final minutes, and this persistence was rewarded with an equalizer in the 87th minute. Abderrazak Hamdallah appeared at the right place and time, finding the back of the net and rekindling hope, in a moment that saw Moroccan fans both inside and outside the stadium erupt in jubilation.
With the regular time ending in a draw, the excitement extended into extra time, which witnessed tension and chances from both sides. Despite Jordan’s attempts to snatch a third goal, Morocco’s focus was superior. The decisive moment arrived in the 100th minute through Abderrazak Hamdallah, who capitalized on a set piece, confidently slotting the ball into the net to score his second goal of the final.
The Jordanian team attempted another comeback, but the Moroccan defense’s resilience and goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid’s excellent performance prevented any change in the score. The match concluded with a 3-2 Moroccan victory and a well-deserved Arab Cup title.
With this achievement, the Moroccan national team adds its second Arab title to its cabinet, following its first triumph in 2012. This once again underscores their strong presence in regional tournaments and their ability to conquer major contests, even when football chooses to elevate the level of madness to its highest.
