Morocco Win Arab Cup to Boost Confidence Ahead of AFCON 2025
Morocco have enjoyed an ideal build-up to hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after winning the Arab Cup on Thursday night.
Just three days before the start of the tournament on home soil, the Atlas Lions defeated Jordan 3–2 after extra time, sparking celebrations across the country and raising expectations ahead of AFCON.
The victory has strengthened belief that Morocco are ready to challenge for the continental title, continuing an impressive period of success for the nation’s football at all levels.
The final, played in Doha, started at a fast pace. Morocco took the lead after only four minutes when Oussama Tannane spotted the Jordan goalkeeper off his line and scored with a brilliant long-range effort from the centre circle.
Jordan responded well in the second half. Ali Olwan levelled the score with a powerful header in the 48th minute and later put his side ahead from the penalty spot.
Morocco pushed hard for an equaliser and were rewarded three minutes from the end of normal time when Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah scored from close range to force extra time.
Hamed Allah struck again in extra time, finishing calmly inside the box to seal the win and secure the Arab Cup title for Morocco. The success was made more impressive as several Europe-based players were rested ahead of AFCON.
Moroccan football has enjoyed remarkable success in recent years. The senior team reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, while the country has also recorded strong results at youth and Olympic levels.
As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations begins on Sunday, Morocco will enter the competition as hosts full of confidence and belief, backed by strong recent performances and growing expectations of success.
