2025 Arab Cup: Morocco through to quarter-final with 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia

Morocco booked their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Arab Cup on Monday after securing a narrow but deserved 1-0 win over Hervé Renard’s already qualified Saudi Arabia in the final round of group-stage matches.

The Atlas Lions struck early at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar and managed the rest of the match with composure as they topped their group.

Saudi Arabia made a brighter start, with Murad Al-Hawsawi coming close in just the 6th minute when his looping header crashed off the crossbar, leaving El Mehdi Benabid momentarily beaten. The missed chance proved costly, as Morocco made their first real opportunity count moments later.

A defensive mix-up on the right allowed Karim El Berkaoui to pounce and steal possession before feeding Tarik Tissoudali, who returned the pass for the Al-Dhafra FC forward to slot home calmly to the goalkeeper’s right in the 11th minute.

Saudi Arabia pushed hard late in the game in search of an equaliser, but Morocco held firm and were rarely troubled as they closed out the win and secured top spot in the group.

With qualification sealed, Tarik Sektioui’s side will now face Syria on Thursday for a place in the semifinals.