Jordan edge Saudi Arabia to set up Arab Cup final with Morocco

Doha: Nizar Al Rashdan s second half header sent Jordan into the FIFA Arab Cup final as they edged Saudi Arabia 1 0 in a tense semi final at Al Bayt S...

Doha: Nizar Al Rashdan’s second-half header sent Jordan into the FIFA Arab Cup final as they edged Saudi Arabia 1-0 in a tense semi-final at Al Bayt Stadium on Monday.

Jordan, now winning five consecutive matches in Qatar, will face Morocco in Thursday’s much-anticipated final at the iconic Lusail Stadium, coinciding with Qatar National Day celebrations. Morocco booked their place earlier with a commanding 3-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates at Khalifa International Stadium.

Al Rashdan’s 66th-minute goal ended Herve Renard’s side’s impressive run in the tournament, with Jamal Sellami's Jordan producing a disciplined display in a cagey contest despite the absence of injured star forward Yazan Al Naimat. 

The players paid tribute to Al Naimat - who was watching from the stands - by holding up his jersey during the official team photo before kick-off. The forward was ruled out after picking up an injury in the quarter-final against Iraq.