Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Morocco defeat Saudi Arabia and join them in the Arab Cup quarterfinals

Morocco defeated Saudi Arabia 1–0 to join them in the quarterfinals of the Arab Cup, held in Qatar.

Heading into the final round of Group B fixtures, Morocco needed only a draw to advance, while Saudi Arabia had already secured qualification with six points from two wins. But the “Atlas Lions” claimed victory to top the group with seven points.

Saudi Arabia started strongly, and in the sixth minute a long ball from midfield found Saleh Abu Al-Shamat, whose brilliant looping header over goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid struck the crossbar.

Against the run of play, Morocco opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Karim El Berkaoui, who finished from close range after excellent work from Tarik Tissoudali, the Khor Fakkan striker.

El Berkaoui nearly doubled the lead early in the second half with a shot in the 48th minute that went just wide of the left post. Moments later, Abu Al-Shamat wasted a major chance for Saudi Arabia when he struck a weak effort into the goalkeeper’s hands in the 50th minute.

Just after the hour mark, Saleh Al-Shehri headed a corner over the Moroccan crossbar, while Abu Al-Shamat appealed for a penalty after going down inside the box under pressure, but the referee waved play on.

In the 70th minute, Saudi Arabia were awarded a penalty following a VAR review after Amine Zahzouh fouled Abdullah Al-Hamdan. However, Al-Hamdan attempted a “Panenka” and lifted the ball over the bar.

After the match, Al-Hamdan entered the press conference and kissed the head of his French coach Hervé Renard, apologizing for missing the penalty that triggered the coach’s visible frustration.

Renard criticises his players and praises Morocco

Renard said: “We played a good match, but we did not respect football. And when you don’t respect football, you lose.”

Speaking about his exchange with Al-Hamdan, he added: “Abdullah is like a son to me, but when someone makes a mistake at home, he is disciplined. That doesn’t mean I don’t respect him — he has to learn. Even the greatest players have missed penalties. But respect is essential. This match is over; now we must focus on what’s next.”

He continued: “Abdullah started playing with me at 18 years old. He is young and talented, and I simply told him the truth.”

Speaking about Saudi Arabia as a whole, Renard said: “We performed well this evening, but the result was not positive, and that’s our responsibility. The goal was to reach the quarterfinals, and we are playing good football.”

He also addressed Moroccan supporters: “I spent years in Morocco. You are a national team that plays beautiful football. Your team is now among the best in the world — even Brazil fears you. I wish you success in the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui said: “We earned valuable points given the situation before the match. We faced a strong team that qualified for the World Cup — that says enough. They have tremendous physical strength, years of continuity together, and an experienced coach. But we played with determination, spirit, and great desire.”

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Renard criticises his players and praises Morocco

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