The United Arab Emirates' dream of lifting the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 came to an end on Monday, as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against a clinical Morocco side in the semi-finals. The match, held at Khalifa International Stadium, saw goals from Karim El Berkaoui and substitute Achraf El Mahdioui secure Morocco's place in the final, where they will face either Saudi Arabia or Jordan at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.
The United Arab Emirates' dream of lifting the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 came to an end on Monday, as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against a clinical Morocco side in the semi-finals. The match, held at Khalifa International Stadium, saw goals from Karim El Berkaoui and substitute Achraf El Mahdioui secure Morocco's place in the final, where they will face either Saudi Arabia or Jordan at Lusail Stadium on Thursday.
The UAE started brightly, applying early pressure, but failed to convert their initial dominance into clear chances. Morocco gradually tightened their control, testing UAE goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbaali from distance. The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Hamza El Moussaoui delivered a perfect cross for Karim El Berkaoui, who powered a header into the bottom corner to give Morocco a deserved lead.
Despite conceding, the UAE continued to compete and created significant opportunities to equalize. Majid Rashid sent Bruno through on goal in the 25th minute, but the midfielder shot directly at goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid. After the break, Cosmin Olaroiu's side wasted two golden chances; Caio Lucas smashed a rebound against the post, and Yahya Alghassani failed to connect with a dangerous cross in front of an open goal.
As the UAE pushed forward in search of an equalizer, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. Morocco punished this ambition with two late goals. In the 83rd minute, substitute Abderrazzaq Hamdallah set up Achraf El Mahdioui to double the lead. Hamdallah then added a third himself in the dying moments, converting a pass from Mohamed Boulacsout to confirm Morocco's comprehensive victory and end the UAE's impressive tournament run.
