The Atlas Lions secure group leadership after a hard-fought win at Lusail Stadium.
The Moroccan A’ national team booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Arab Cup Qatar 2025 after defeating Saudi Arabia 1–0 on Monday. The match, played at Lusail Stadium, marked the final fixture of Group B.
The opening half was evenly balanced, with both teams exchanging opportunities until the 11th minute, when Morocco found the breakthrough. Karin El Berkaoui finished off a well-orchestrated team move, assisted brilliantly by Tarek Tissoudali, giving the Atlas Lions the early advantage.
The remainder of the first half saw few changes, as Morocco maintained control and entered halftime leading 1–0.
Saudi pressure and a missed penalty in the second half
After the break, Saudi Arabia increased their offensive pressure in search of an equaliser. Morocco adopted a more conservative approach, relying on counterattacks to create danger.
The match reached a decisive moment in the 69th minute when Saudi forward Abdullah Al-Hamdan missed a penalty that could have levelled the score. The Moroccan defence held firm until the final whistle, securing the crucial victory.
In the other Group B matchup, Oman defeated Comoros 2–1, completing the group-stage standings.
Morocco top Group B and advance to play Syria
With this result, Morocco finished as Group B leaders with 7 points, ahead of Saudi Arabia, who qualified as runners-up with 6 points. Oman ended the group with 4 points in third place, while Comoros finished bottom without points.
Morocco will now face Syria in the quarter-finals of the Arab Cup Qatar 2025 — a matchup expected to be tightly contested as both nations push for a place in the semi-finals.
Related:
Full Morocco squad for Arab Cup 2025,
Complete Morocco match schedule for Arab Cup 2025,
Morocco’s rise in world football
MoroccoBeat, Inspiring Stories, Positive Energy, Proudly Moroccan!
