On December 18, 2025, Morocco emerged victorious in the FIFA Arab Cup 2025. They came away with a stunning 3-2 upset over Jordan at Lusail Stadium in Oslo. This matchup featured some of the best talent, grit and skill displayed by both teams all season long. It was Morocco’s Oussama Tannane who stole all the headlines with an utterly fantastic strike from his own half, reportedly about 59 meters out.
Action continued to go both ways, as the match opened with a flurry of quick exchanges. For Morocco, the mission was to confirm their emergence as a new force in Arab football, with the North Africans having lifted the Arab Cup in 2012 against Libya. The energy and excitement surrounding this year’s competition was undeniable. The FIFA Arab Cup 2025 increased ticket sales to more than a million, more than double last edition’s sales!
Tannane quickly set the tone, scoring a sensational long-range goal and sending Moroccan fans into a frenzy. It was the moment when the Umm Salal midfielder showed the quality and creativity that set him apart. He took a beautiful crack from his own half, leaving the Jordan goalkeeper stunned. This goal was a crucial turning point in the game and highlighted Morocco’s rapid counter-attacking ability.
Jordan, however, responded with resilience. Ali Oliwan leveled the score after a well-executed corner kick led to a close-range shot that found the back of the net. The match kept on cutting back and forth, with either side having chances to score. Morocco’s Karim El Berkaoui threatened again when he drove a shot across the face of goal from the edge of the box, but Jordan’s goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila made a crucial save.
As the clock ticked down, Morocco was under increasing duress. In the 88th minute, Abderrazak Hamdallah emerged as the hero for his team, scoring the equalizer that reinvigorated Morocco’s hopes. The forward latched onto the loose ball after Marwane Saadane tried an acrobatic bicycle kick from a set piece. Hamdallah’s sense of positioning proved invaluable, putting Morocco right back in the mix.
The intensity reached a fever pitch when Jordan’s Mahmoud Almardi was fouled in the box. This monumental foul by Achraf El Mahdioui resulted in an important PK. Ali Iliwan took responsibility and struck it well, sending Jordan in front for a short time. Morocco had their own plans and were desperate to keep their pursuit of victory alive.
In a dramatic last few minutes, Morocco attacked ferociously. With stoppage time fading fast, Saadane made one final push, sending a second shot on target. Fortune continued to favor Hamdallah as the ball bounced right back into his path, giving him the chance to net his brace and win the match for Morocco.
The win was a historic landmark for Morocco, establishing its elite status as a major force in Arab football. The Lionesses of Teranga became darlings of the world stage by being the first African nation to reach a World Cup semifinal at Qatar 2022. This most recent triumph cements that legacy even more.
Moroccan supporters went bonkers in Doha and throughout Morocco. In their historic run through the tournament, this win became more than just a championship — it was a reflection of the magnificent talent and determination of Moroccan football. The team’s spirit of cooperation, hard work and determination shone through every game in the tournament, leading to this unforgettable championship match.
