MENA Sports Wrap: Morocco victorious at Arab Cup as AFCON starts

Morocco's Atlas Lions capped off a successful Arab Cup campaign by lifting the trophy after defeating Jordan 3-2, while the tournament's third-place play-off was abandoned due to severe weather conditions and jointly awarded to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Morocco also got off to a winning start in their 2025 AFCON campaign with a 2–0 victory over Comoros.

Morocco win second-ever Arab Cup

Morocco won the 2025 edition of the FIFA Arab Cup after beating Jordan in a thrilling final at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

The Atlas Lions went into the final as favourites, though Jordan's victories over teams such as Saudi Arabia and Iraq, along with their unbeaten run throughout the competition, meant they could not be underestimated.

Morocco took an early lead thanks to a thunderous strike from Oussama Tannane from inside his own half, which found the back of the net in the fifth minute.

Tannane’s goal was estimated to have been struck from 59 metres out, catching Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off guard. Abulaila attempted to keep the ball out but injured himself in the process.

After a dominant first-half from Morocco and several missed chances to extend their lead, Jordan equalised early in the second-half through a header from star striker Ali Olwan, lifting the spirits of Al-Nashama.

Olwan then completed his brace after Jordan was awarded a penalty following a handball by Morocco’s Achraf El Mahdioui inside the area. His 68th-minute spot-kick raised hopes of Jordan securing their first-ever FIFA-accredited trophy.

However, Morocco responded through Abderrazak Hamdallah, who equalised with a scrappy goal inside the penalty area. The goal was reviewed by VAR following Jordanian protests over a possible offside, but it was allowed to stand, sending the match into extra time.

Hamdallah emerged as the hero by scoring Morocco’s third and winning goal, sealing the Atlas Lions' second-ever Arab Cup title.

Ali Olwan finished as the tournament’s top scorer, claiming the Golden Boot with six goals. Syria were awarded the Fair Play prize after an impressive run that saw them finish second in their group, defeat Tunisia and reach the quarter-finals.

Saudi Arabia and UAE share third place after match abandoned

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were jointly awarded third place after their play-off match was suspended and later abandoned due to torrential rain.

The match began at Khalifa International Stadium despite weather warnings. The UAE came close to opening the scoring through Ali Saleh, but his effort was denied by Saudi goalkeeper Raghed Al-Najjar. Saudi Arabia continued to press, with Salem Al-Dawsari seeing a 19th-minute effort ruled offside.

The first-half ended goalless, before heavy rainfall during the interval prompted an initial suspension, and the game eventually called off.

FIFA later confirmed the game would be recorded as a 0–0 draw, with no plans to replay it. Prize money for third and fourth place was combined and shared equally between the two teams.

Morocco get off to a winning start in AFCON 2025

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicked-off in Morocco on Sunday, with the hosts opening their campaign against Comoros at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

A star-studded opening ceremony marked the 35th edition of the tournament, celebrating Moroccan and African culture through music and dance. The event was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Crown Prince Moulay Hassan.

Morocco entered the tournament as one of the favourites, having topped their qualifying group with a perfect record. Comoros, however, proved resilient and difficult to break down.

The hosts dominated possession in the first-half but struggled to find a breakthrough. A penalty awarded to Morocco was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor, denying Soufiane Rahimi and keeping the score level at the break.

Morocco increased the tempo after half-time and finally broke through in the 55th minute via Brahim Diaz. Comoros continued to defend well, with their main attacking moment coming through Rafik Said, whose effort was saved by Yassine Bounou.

Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the victory with a spectacular bicycle kick, earning Morocco all three points and a strong start to the tournament.

The hosts will face Mali and Zambia next in the group stage.

MENA Sports Wrap will take a break over the Christmas period and resume after the New Year.