Post by : Meena Ariff

In a thrilling conclusion to the FIFA Arab Cup, Morocco emerged victorious against Jordan with a 3-2 scoreline after extra time, thanks to Oussama Tannane’s extraordinary goal from near midfield. The final held at Lusail Stadium kicked off with intensity, where Tannane unleashed a stunning 59-meter shot in the fourth minute that hit the post, briefly halting play and leaving the Jordanian keeper astonished.

Jordan fought back valiantly, leveling the score early in the second half with Ali Oliwan’s precise header from a corner. They surged ahead in the 68th minute with a penalty, following a handball by a Moroccan defender, allowing Oliwan to net his second goal.

Morocco would not back down, as substitute Abderrazak Hamdallah equalized with a close-range effort in the 88th minute, sending the match into extra time. Jordan nearly clinched the title in the dying moments of regulation but missed a golden opportunity.

During extra time, Mohannad Abutaha's spectacular volley was annulled by VAR due to handball. It was Morocco’s Hamdallah who ultimately sealed the match with his second goal, following a clever bicycle kick from Marwane Saadane, concluding the game at 3-2.

This triumph marks Morocco’s second title in the Arab Cup, adding to their 2012 victory. The team’s dominant early play was almost matched by Tannane, who came close to scoring again before halftime. Morocco combined skill with tenacity, delivering an exhilarating performance for their supporters.

Looking forward, Morocco prepares to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, bolstered by the return of European-based stars who missed this tournament. The 2025 FIFA Arab Cup broke attendance records, selling over a million tickets, a significant increase from the last edition.

Tannane’s remarkable goal and Hamdallah’s critical finish etched another memorable moment in African football history for Morocco.

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