FIFA Arab Cup: Morocco overcome UAE to reach final

Morocco advanced to the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup final following Monday’s decisive 3-0 victory over United Arab Emirates at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar.

Karim El Berkaoui headed in Hamza El Moussaoui’s cross to give the Atlas Lions the lead in the first half before late goals from substitutes Aschraf El Mahdioui and Abderrazak Hamdallah finished off the victory. Morocco will face the winner of Monday’s later semifinal between Saudi Arabia and Jordan on Thursday.

The North Africans were more efficient and did excellently to contain the Emirati attack. Despite utilizing a lineup that had more naturalized foreign-born players than Emirati-born players, the Gulf nation was toothless in the attack.

The Atlas Lions snatched the lead before the half hour mark and it was RS Berkane left back El Moussaoui who set up the goal. The veteran defender placed his cross perfectly to find El Berkaoui at the far post for a powerful header, his third goal of the tournament and El Moussaoui’s second assist.

UAE increased their efforts after halftime and pushed numbers forward. However, the Moroccans defended their penalty area well and the Emirati attack ran out of ideas, often settling for hopeful crosses and shot attempts.

With their opponents held in check, Morocco capitalized on the rising desperation and found two goals late, with El Mahdioui putting his team beyond reach courtesy of an assist from Hamdallah in the 83rd minute. Hamdallah, the prolific Saudi-based striker, added his first goal of the tournament in stoppage time.