Morocco have reinforced their status as one of the most formidable forces in world football by claiming the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup title with a thrilling extra-time victory over Jordan at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. The Atlas Lions came from behind to defeat the tournament's surprise package in a final that showcased the very best of Arab football.
A tactical chess match unfolds
The final presented a fascinating tactical battle between two sides with contrasting styles. Morocco, the clear favorites heading into the match, looked to impose their possession-based game from the opening whistle. Their technical superiority was evident, but Jordan's well-organized defensive structure initially frustrated the Moroccan attacking play.
The Atlas Lions set up in their typical 4-3-3 formation, with the midfield trio controlling tempo and seeking to exploit spaces between Jordan's defensive lines. Jordan, meanwhile, adopted a more pragmatic approach, sitting deep and looking to hit Morocco on the counter-attack through their dangerman Ali Olwan, the tournament's leading scorer.
Tannane's wonder strike ignites Moroccan hopes
The deadlock was broken in spectacular fashion when Oussama Tannane produced one of the goals of the tournament. After recovering possession near the halfway line, the Moroccan midfielder spotted Jordan's goalkeeper off his line and unleashed an audacious effort from distance that sailed into the net. It was a moment of individual brilliance that seemed to encapsulate Morocco's confidence and technical quality.
The goal appeared to settle Moroccan nerves and they began to dominate proceedings, their passing combinations carving open the Jordanian defense with increasing regularity. The North African side looked comfortable and appeared on course to secure the title in regulation time.
Jordan's remarkable comeback
However, Jordan demonstrated why they had reached the final against all odds. Ali Olwan proved once again why he has been the tournament's outstanding individual performer, striking twice to complete a remarkable turnaround for the Nashama.
The first goal came when Morocco's defensive concentration momentarily lapsed, allowing Olwan to pounce and bring Jordan level. Rather than sitting back to protect the equalizer, Jordan pushed forward and were rewarded when Olwan struck again to put his side ahead, sending the Jordanian supporters into raptures.
It was a stunning reversal that threatened to produce one of the biggest upsets in Arab Cup history. Jordan, who will face Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, were showing they are capable of competing with the continent's elite.
Morocco's character shines through
Lesser teams might have crumbled after such a dramatic turn of events, but Morocco are made of sterner stuff. The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, have developed a winning mentality under the guidance of their coaching staff.
Morocco pushed forward in search of an equalizer, committing more players to attack while remaining defensively solid. Their pressure eventually told as they found the net to force extra time, setting up a tense final 30 minutes of action.
Extra time dominance seals the title
In the additional period, Morocco's superior fitness and technical quality proved decisive. The Atlas Lions took control of proceedings, their fresh legs allowing them to maintain their high-pressing game that had troubled Jordan throughout the tournament.
The winning goal came as Morocco's relentless pressure finally broke Jordanian resistance. It was a deserved reward for a team that had shown remarkable resilience to overturn a two-goal deficit and claim the trophy.
What this means for both nations
For Morocco, this title adds another trophy to their recent collection and continues to validate the progress they have made on the international stage. Since their historic World Cup run in 2022, the Atlas Lions have consistently performed at the highest level, and this Arab Cup triumph further cements their reputation.
Jordan, despite the defeat, emerge from this tournament with enormous credit. Reaching the final and pushing Morocco to extra time demonstrates the significant strides the Nashama have made. With the World Cup on the horizon, Jordan have shown they are no longer a team to be underestimated.
The final scoreline tells only part of the story. This was a match that will live long in the memory of all who witnessed it, a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased the growing quality and competitiveness of Arab football on the world stage.
