Doha, Qatar – Morocco advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 with a narrow 1-0 victory over Syria at the Khalifa International Stadium on Friday. A late goal from substitute Walid Azaro proved decisive, securing the Atlas Lions a spot in the final four of the regional tournament. This win marks Morocco’s third appearance in the Arab Cup semi-finals.
The match, a tightly contested affair, saw both teams battle for control throughout. Syria’s goalkeeper, Elias Hadaya, delivered a standout performance, making seven crucial saves to deny Morocco’s advances. However, Azaro’s quick reaction to a rebound in the 79th minute ultimately broke the deadlock.
Morocco Secures Arab Cup Semi-Final Berth
Morocco’s victory was built on a foundation of tactical discipline and improved possession in the second half, according to head coach Tarik Sektioui. He emphasized the need to exploit the flanks against Syria’s compact defense, a strategy that eventually led to the winning goal. The team’s ability to manage the game, even after a late red card, was also key to their success.
The game began with Morocco applying early pressure, but Hadaya proved equal to the task, tipping an effort from Amin Zahzouh over the bar. The Atlas Lions suffered a setback with an injury to Tarik Tissoudali, forcing an early substitution.
Syria, having already demonstrated resilience in qualifying for and progressing through the group stage, proved a formidable opponent. They matched Morocco in ball possession for significant portions of the match and limited the North Africans’ attacking opportunities. Their organized defense frustrated Morocco’s attempts to create clear-cut chances.
Azaro’s Decisive Impact
Despite Syria’s strong defensive showing, Morocco continued to press for an opener after the interval. Opportunities fell to Oussama Tannane, Karim El Berkaoui, and Marwane Saddane, all of which were thwarted by Hadaya’s impressive goalkeeping.
The breakthrough finally came when Sabir Bougrine set up Mounir Chouiar for a shot that was initially saved, but Walid Azaro was perfectly positioned to convert the rebound. His goal, a testament to his alertness and finishing ability, sent Morocco through to the semi-finals.
The match took a dramatic turn in stoppage time when Morocco’s Mohammed Moufid received a red card. Despite being reduced to ten men, Morocco successfully defended their lead through eight minutes of added time, showcasing their defensive solidity.
Syria’s captain, Omar Khribin, expressed pride in his team’s performance throughout the tournament, despite the quarter-final defeat. He acknowledged the strength of the Moroccan side but vowed that the Syrian national team would continue to improve and strive for future success. The Syrian team’s run in the Arab Cup was a positive step for football development in the country.
Morocco will now await the winner of the quarter-final match between Algeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The semi-final fixture is expected to be scheduled within the next few days, offering a challenging test for Sektioui’s squad as they aim for the Arab Cup title. The outcome of the Algeria-UAE match will determine the specific date and time of Morocco’s semi-final appearance.
The tournament continues to draw significant attention across the Arab world, with the remaining matches promising further excitement and competitive football. The focus now shifts to the semi-final matchups and the potential for a thrilling final. Further updates on the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 schedule and results will be released by FIFA in the coming days.
The performance of both teams highlights the growing competitiveness of football in the region, with nations investing in youth development and tactical improvements. The Qatar 2025 Arab Cup serves as a valuable platform for showcasing talent and preparing for future international competitions, including the World Cup.