Under the iconic lights of Lusail Stadium in Doha, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ reached its dramatic conclusion on Thursday, December 18th, with Morocco securing a 3-2 victory over a valiant Jordan after extra time. The match, a pulsating showcase of the region’s footballing rise, delivered a spectacle worthy of the grand stage, blending tactical intrigue, individual brilliance, and raw emotion. This victory marks Morocco’s second triumph in the competition, adding to their 2012 title, while Jordan’s historic run fell just short of delivering the nation’s first major international trophy.
The final was ignited by a moment of pure audacity just four minutes in. Moroccan midfielder Oussama Tannane spotted Jordanian goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off his line and launched an incredible, looping shot from behind the halfway line that sailed into the empty net. Described as a ‘world-class’ and ‘almost unbelievable’ goal, it immediately put the Atlas Lions in the driver’s seat and forced Jordan to chase the game. The early strike was so dramatic that Abulaila was injured colliding with the post in a desperate attempt to recover, though he bravely continued after treatment.
Jordan, nicknamed the ‘Nashama’, refused to buckle under the pressure. Demonstrating the resilience and collective spirit that defined their perfect run to the final, they fought back through striker Ali Olwan. Olwan scored twice, in the 48th and 68th minutes, to first equalize and then cancel out an Abdulrazak Hamdallah goal for Morocco, sending the match into extra time locked at 2-2. Jordan’s journey was built on a rock-solid defense that conceded only two goals in five matches prior to the final, with players like Issam Smeeri—who expertly neutralized Saudi Arabian star Salem Al-Dawsari in the semi-final—embodying their disciplined approach.
Ultimately, the experience and clinical edge of Morocco proved decisive. Substitute striker Abdulrazak Hamdallah, who entered the fray in the second half, emerged as the hero. He first leveled the score at 2-2 in the 87th minute and then, after a VAR review confirmed the goal, netted the winner in the 100th minute of extra time to seal a 3-2 victory. His match-winning double earned him the official Man of the Match award. The match was a fitting finale to a tournament that celebrated Arab football, though the day’s events were impacted by severe weather in Doha, which led to the cancellation of the third-place match between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and all fan activities on Lusail Boulevard.
The significance of this FIFA Arab Cup final extends beyond the trophy. For Morocco, it reinforces their status as a regional powerhouse and provides momentum. For Jordan, the run to the final has been a source of immense national pride, with Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan stating the team had ‘raised Jordan’s flag high’ and presented an honorable image of Jordanian football. Players like Rajaei Ayed expressed confidence before the match, citing their experience from a previous final in Qatar (the 2023 AFC Asian Cup) as preparation to ‘go one step further.’ While the dream ended in heartbreak, Jordan’s performance signals a team on the rise, capable of competing for titles. The tournament, played in World Cup venues, successfully highlighted the passion and quality within Arab football, setting the stage for the next chapter in the rivalry between these two ambitious football nations.