Rabat – In an intense semifinal match at Al Bayt Stadium, Jordan triumphed over Saudi Arabia with a score of 1-0, earning their spot in the Arab Cup final. They are set to face Morocco on Thursday, December 18, at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.
Although Saudi Arabia dominated possession with 68% and recorded seven shots on goal, they only managed to have one shot on target. In contrast, Jordan, with just 32% possession, was more efficient; all five of their shots were on target.
The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Mahmoud Al Mardi delivered a precise cross that was met by Nizar Al Rashdan, who scored with a powerful header, giving Jordan the lead.
Despite a late push from Saudi Arabia in the final minutes, Jordan’s well-organized defense held firm, successfully preventing any clear scoring opportunities for their opponents.
Jordan’s discipline and sharp finishing were key factors in their victory, allowing them to secure a place in the final. The upcoming matchup against Morocco promises to be particularly interesting, as both teams are coached by Moroccans: Jamal Sellami leads Jordan, while Tarik Sektioui is at the helm for Morocco.
Sektioui had previously stated that such a final would symbolize the strength of Moroccan football, highlighting the positive impact of effective long-term planning. This final will not only reflect the progress of Morocco in football but also showcase how Moroccan coaches are influencing the success of teams in the tournament.
Morocco is vying for their second Arab Cup title since 2012, while Jordan is seeking their first. The semifinal performances of both teams highlighted their different strengths: Morocco combined tactical control with lethal counter-attacks to secure a convincing 3-0 victory against the UAE, while Jordan relied on patience and efficiency to dispatch Saudi Arabia.
With the Arab Cup final on the horizon, football fans can look forward to a thrilling contest that promises high stakes and an impressive display of Moroccan coaching prowess.