Morocco’s second-string side, coached by Tarik Sektioui, took an early lead in the final at Lusail Stadium through a stunning long-range effort from Osama Tannane in the fourth minute.

Jordan, coached by Moroccan Jamal Sellami, hit back in the second half with two goals from Ali Olwan to turn the match on its head.

With three minutes remaining in normal time, Hamdallah grabbed a late equaliser for Morocco before netting the decisive goal nine minutes into extra time to seal the title.

The victory handed Morocco the 11th edition of the Arab Cup, staged for the second time under FIFA’s banner, and their second triumph in the competition after lifting the trophy in 2012.

“Thank God,” Sektioui said in televised comments after the match. “Despite the short preparation time, the players worked with great commitment and knew exactly what they wanted from the first day.”

“The spirit within the team was outstanding. I firmly believe that dedication, professionalism, seriousness and respect for the shirt are more important than technical and tactical ability,” he added.

Addressing Moroccan supporters, Sektioui said: “We have the best fans in the world. You saw today how they looked and how they supported us throughout the tournament.”

Morocco captain Mohamed Hrimatt said the win was deserved given the sacrifices made by the players and their families, as well as the strong backing from supporters.

Thursday’s triumph continues a remarkable period for Moroccan football, which included a historic run to the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, making Morocco the first African and Arab nation to reach that stage.

Morocco have also enjoyed unprecedented success at youth level, with the under-20 side winning the World Cup title after defeating Argentina in the final, becoming the first Arab team to achieve the feat.

Further successes include a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics and a quarter-final appearance at the Under-17 World Cup, where Morocco were edged out 2–1 by Brazil.

Morocco are now considered strong contenders to win the Africa Cup of Nations, which is being staged on home soil later this month.

Fast start

The final began at a frantic pace and Tannane ignited the contest with a spectacular goal in the fourth minute, unleashing a powerful strike from inside his own half that sailed into the Jordan net.

Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila was injured after colliding with the post while attempting to recover, but received treatment and continued.

Morocco nearly doubled their lead in the 12th minute when Karim El Berkaoui fired a low drive from the edge of the area following a pass from Walid Azaro, but Abu Laila produced a fine save.

Sektioui was forced into an early change in the 17th minute, bringing on Achraf Mahdioui in place of the injured El Berkaoui.

Despite Morocco’s dominance in possession, Jordan gradually imposed themselves and enjoyed spells of pressure, though without seriously testing goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid.

Morocco focused briefly on defensive solidity while looking to counter, before regaining control and finishing the first half strongly.

They came close again in the 41st minute when Amine Zahzouh delivered a dangerous cross, which was parried by the goalkeeper, before Tannane’s follow-up was blocked by the defence.

Jordan fight back

Jordan drew level two minutes into the second half when Ali Olwan headed home a high cross from Muhannad Abu Taha.

Play was halted in the 64th minute for a VAR review, after which the referee awarded Jordan a penalty for handball by Mahdioui. Olwan converted confidently to put Jordan 2–1 ahead in the 68th minute.

Sektioui responded with a triple substitution in the 72nd minute, introducing Hamdallah, Munir Chouiar and Saber Bougrine.

Morocco stepped up the pressure and Chouiar came close in the 79th minute with a powerful effort from distance that flew just over the crossbar.

Hamdallah turns the tide

In the 87th minute, Hamdallah equalised from close range after following up a header from Hrimatt that was saved by the goalkeeper. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but awarded following a VAR review.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing moments, but normal time ended 2–2.

Jordan thought they had taken the lead early in extra time when Abu Taha struck from distance, but the goal was disallowed for handball in the build-up.

In the 100th minute, Hamdallah pounced on a loose ball set up by Marouane Saadane and finished with a deft touch to complete his double and secure the trophy.

Jordan were unable to respond, and Morocco held on to claim a 3–2 victory after extra time and lift the Arab Cup once again.