Morocco beat Jordan in extra time to win FIFA Arab Cup title

Morocco clinched their second FIFA Arab Cup title after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan in a pulsating final at a packed Lusail Stadium in Doha.

The Atlas Lions made a dream start in the fourth minute through Oussama Tannane, whose stunning strike from well inside his own half, estimated at 59 metres, caught Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off his line. The keeper’s desperate attempt to recover ended in a collision with the post, causing a brief stoppage before play resumed.

Jordan responded strongly and drew level early in the second half when Ali Olwan headed home from close range following a well-worked corner. Olwan then put Jordan ahead in the 68th minute, converting from the penalty spot after Mahmoud Al Mardi’s effort struck the raised hand of Achraf El Mahdioui.

Morocco forced extra time late on as substitute Abderrazak Hamdallah bundled in an equaliser in the 88th minute. Jordan thought they had won it early in extra time through a spectacular Mohannad Abutaha volley, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for handball.

Hamdallah had the final say, tapping in his second goal from close range after Marwane Saadane’s bicycle kick fell kindly, sealing Morocco’s first Arab Cup triumph since 2012.