Morocco’s Atlas Lions captured the Arab Nations Cup after a dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Jordan at Lusail Stadium in Doha.
This triumph comes despite Morocco fielding a squad that was not its senior “A” team, showcasing the depth of talent in the kingdom’s football ranks.
The match began with a moment of brilliance from Oussama Tannane, who stunned the crowd by scoring from near the halfway line in the 4th minute.
However, Jordan, coached by fellow Moroccan Jamal Sellami, fought back fiercely, netting twice in the second half (48th and 68th minutes) to take the lead.
Morocco refused to surrender. Abderazzak Hamdallah equalized in the 88th minute, forcing extra time.
Hamdallah struck again in the 100th minute, finishing off a spectacular sequence involving a corner from Mahmoud Bentayg and an acrobatic effort by Marwane Saadane, sealing Morocco’s second Arab Nations Cup title after their 2012 triumph over Libya.
Jordan’s resilience and defensive organization bore the hallmark of Sellami’s coaching style, but Morocco’s unity and determination prevailed.
The Atlas Lions topped Group B after beating Comoros (3-1), drawing with Oman (0-0), and defeating Saudi Arabia (1-0). In the knockout stages, they eliminated Syria (1-0) and the UAE (3-0) before the final showdown with Jordan.
Head coach Tarik Sektioui, a former Moroccan international, adds another trophy to his impressive résumé.
Earlier this year, he guided Morocco’s local players to victory in the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN). Several players, including goalkeeper Rachid Ghanimi and midfielders Mohamed Rabie Hrimat and Anas Bach, now boast both titles.
Ghanimi also earned a bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics under Sektioui’s leadership.