DOHA: Karim El Berkaoui’s early strike proved decisive as Morocco edged already-qualified Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a thrilling FIFA Arab Cup clash at Lusail Stadium yesterday to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
El Berkaoui’s goal came in the 11th minute, and Saudi Arabia’s substitute Abdullah Alhamddan squandered a golden opportunity to equalise when he missed a penalty in the 69th minute, sending his Panenka-style attempt over the bar.
Morocco withstood relentless pressure from the Green Falcons in the second half to finish top of Group B with seven points, while Saudi Arabia ended second with six points after victories in their opening two matches.
In a simultaneous Group B clash, Carlos Queiroz’s Oman bowed out of the tournament despite a 2-1 victory over Comoros, finishing with four points.
Saudi Arabia returned to the pitch under the guidance of coach Herve Renard, who rejoined the squad in Qatar after attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in Washington. However, star player Salem Al Dawsari remained on the bench.
The match began with Saudi Arabia pressing for an early advantage. They came close in the sixth minute when Murad Al Hawsawi met a long ball with a looping header over El Mehdi Benabid, only for it to rattle the crossbar.
Morocco struck with their first meaningful attack. El Berkaoui capitalised on a precise back pass from Tarik Tissoudali from the right and finished cleanly from close range. Saudi Arabia struggled to find space following the goal and failed to create clear chances before halftime.
In the second half, El Berkaoui went close with a low strike from outside the box.
Saudi Arabia responded through several attempts: Saleh Al Shehri fired a powerful shot wide, headed over from a corner, and saw another effort deflected by a defender. The Green Falcons earned a penalty after a VAR review for a foul on Alhamddan, but he failed to convert.
Morocco’s goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al Sanbi made a key save from Tissoudali, while Al Hawsawi and substitute Aiman Ahmed missed their chances, allowing Morocco to hold on for victory.
At Stadium 974, Issam Al Sabhi starred for Oman, scoring a brace to give his side a 2-0 lead by halftime. Comoros pulled one back through Nassuir Hamidou in the 68th minute, but Oman’s win was not enough to see them advance, ending their tournament campaign on a high note.
