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Rabat – Morocco beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 on Friday night at Lusail Stadium to book their spot in the Arab Cup quarterfinals as group winners.
Needing a win to advance, Morocco struck early. Karim El Berkaoui found the net in the 11th minute, finishing off a sharp assist from Tarik Tissoudali.
🚨 Le Maroc 🇲🇦 𝘽𝘼𝙏 l’Arabie Saoudite 🇸🇦 (1-0) et se qualifie en 1/4 de la Coupe Arabe 2025 ! ❤️🫡 pic.twitter.com/KwoWeu8X79
— 🏆 Actu Foot Afrique (@ActuFootAfrique) December 8, 2025
Saudi Arabia had more possession (60%) and more total shots (12), but Morocco stayed compact and focused. Despite the pressure, Morocco’s defense held firm.
The turning point came in the 69th minute, when Abdullah Al Hamddan missed a penalty, failing to equalize for Saudi Arabia. It was a crucial moment that kept Morocco ahead.
Saudi Arabia had already qualified before kickoff, but Morocco’s win pushed them to the top of Group B with 7 points. Saudi finished second with 6. Oman and Comoros are out.
Morocco’s win not only secured qualification but also confirmed their historical edge in the rivalry. Across ten meetings, Morocco now has five victories over Saudi Arabia, including landmark wins at the 1961 Pan Arab Games (13-1), the 1984 Olympics (1-0), and the 2021 Arab Cup (1-0). Saudi Arabia has three wins.
Morocco will now face Syria in the quarterfinals. With momentum and confidence, the Atlas Lions are aiming to win the tournament.
