By: Osabuohien Imuetinyanosa
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup on Thursday night, Morocco secured the championship with a dramatic 3–2 extra-time victory over Jordan at Lusail Stadium. The Atlas Lions were pushed to the limit but ultimately prevailed thanks to a late brace from substitute striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, sealing their second Arab Cup title.
The match sprung to life almost immediately when Morocco struck in the fourth minute, with Oussama Tannane catching the Jordan goalkeeper off his line with a stunning long-range strike to put the Atlas Lions ahead. Jordan, appearing undeterred, regrouped after halftime and shifted the momentum in their favour.
Jordan responded emphatically in the second half. Ali Olwan turned in a powerful header in the 48th minute to level the score, and later capitalised on a penalty awarded after a VAR review in the 68th minute to give the Nashama a 2–1 lead — a scoreline that held strong deep into the closing stages of regulation time.
With time slipping away, Morocco’s hopes appeared to be fading — until Hamdallah, introduced from the bench, capitalised on a scramble in the box in the 87th minute to bring his side back on terms and force extra time. In the 100th minute, he struck again with a composed finish from close range to clinch the winning goal, sparking jubilant celebration among Moroccan players and fans.
The loss was a heartbreak for Jordan, who had produced a spirited tournament run and held a 2–1 lead for much of the second half. Morocco, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience and depth, overcoming adversity and late drama to lift the trophy — their first Arab Cup triumph since 2012..
