Morocco secured their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia at Lusail Stadium in Doha on Sunday. A 11th-minute goal from Karim El Berkaoui proved to be the difference, despite a missed penalty by Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alhamddan. The result sees Morocco top Group B, while Saudi Arabia advances as runners-up.
The match, a key fixture in the tournament’s group stage, took place amidst anticipation following the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw. Both teams had already qualified for the knockout stages, but the game determined who would finish top of the group and potentially gain a more favorable draw. The result highlights Morocco’s strong performance throughout the group stage.
Morocco Advances After Tightly Contested FIFA Arab Cup Match
El Berkaoui’s early goal came after a precise pass from Tarik Tissoudali, allowing the Moroccan forward to finish cleanly. Saudi Arabia, coached by Herve Renard who recently returned from the World Cup draw, pressed for an equalizer throughout the second half. However, their efforts were thwarted by a resilient Moroccan defense and a crucial save from goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Sanbi.
A pivotal moment arrived in the 69th minute when Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Substitute Abdullah Alhamddan attempted a Panenka-style penalty, but his audacious effort sailed over the bar, leaving the score unchanged. This missed opportunity proved costly for the Green Falcons.
Saudi Arabia’s Struggles and Morocco’s Defensive Strength
Despite dominating possession for large periods of the second half, Saudi Arabia struggled to break down Morocco’s organized defense. Saleh Al Shehri and Aiman Ahmed both had chances to score, but were denied by either the Moroccan defense or poor finishing. The match showcased Morocco’s tactical discipline and ability to withstand pressure, key attributes for success in tournament play.
Meanwhile, in a concurrent Group B match, Oman secured a 2-1 victory over Comoros, but the win was insufficient to see them progress to the quarter-finals. A brace from Issam Al Sabhi gave Oman a comfortable lead, though a late goal from Nassuir Hamidou provided a consolation for Comoros. This result underscores the competitive nature of the Arab Cup tournament.
The Saudi Arabian team was without star player Salem Al Dawsari, who remained on the bench for the duration of the match. His absence may have contributed to their difficulty in creating clear-cut chances. The team’s performance, while ultimately securing qualification, raised questions about their attacking potency against stronger opposition. The Saudi Arabian national football team will need to address these concerns as the tournament progresses.
Morocco’s victory ensures they finish top of Group B with seven points, while Saudi Arabia ends with six. This result sets up an interesting quarter-final draw, with both teams facing different challenges in their pursuit of the title. The Peninsula Qatar reported on the match details.
The quarter-final matchups will be determined following the conclusion of the remaining group stage matches. The exact schedule and opponents for Morocco and Saudi Arabia remain uncertain. Observers will be watching closely to see how both teams adapt their strategies and lineups as they navigate the knockout stages of the FIFA Arab Cup.