FIFA Arab Cup - S-final: UAE’s title dream ended by Morocco

Al Rayyan: United Arab Emirates’ FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title hopes were dashed after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in their semi-final at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

Goals from Karim El Berkaoui and substitute Achraf El Mahdioui sealed victory for Morocco, who will face either Saudi Arabia or Jordan in the final at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.

UAE put Morocco under pressure from the start but their dominance soon waned off as the African side tightened their grip with El Berkaoui and Anas Bach testing Hamad Almeqbaali with long-range efforts, while Oualid Azaro had his glancing header calmly collected.

Caio Lucas couldn’t find the target from distance before Majid Rashid almost carved open Morocco’s defence in the 25th minute when he sent Bruno through on goal, only for the Al Jazira midfielder to shoot straight into the arms of El Mehdi Benabid.

Morocco’s patient game finally came to fruition just before the half-hour mark when Hamza El Moussaoui sent a delightful cross for El Berkaoui, who finished with a powerful header into the bottom right corner.

UAE continued to withstand the pressure and came off unscathed in the 34th minute with Almeqbaali tipping over Amin Zahzouh’s long-range effort over the bar.

Cosmin Olaroiu’s side wasted two clear-cut chances after the break with Caio Lucas smashing a rebounded effort against the left post after El Berkaoui failed to hold on to Ruben Amaral’s initial shot.

Al Ghassani then couldn’t time his run to connect with Rashid’s teasing cross in front of the goalmouth.

UAE pumped bodies forward in a bid to draw level and while Bruno saw his glancing header graze the bar, Morocco almost exploited the gaps when Mohamed Boulacsout set up Azaro for a diving header which sailed over the bar.

Morocco finally doubled their lead in the 83rd minute after substitute Abderrazzaq Hamdallah set up El Mahdioui to strike home past Almeqbaali.

There was time for a third with Hamdallah converting Boulacsout’s pass to confirm Morocco’s passage to the final.

Photos: United Arab Emirates Football Association, Qatar News Agency

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