Morocco stars size up Syria showdown

Doha, Qatar: Moroccan fans packed Lusail Stadium for the Atlas Lions clash with Saudi Arabia, hopeful their team would make amends from their previou...

Doha, Qatar: Moroccan fans packed Lusail Stadium for the Atlas Lions’ clash with Saudi Arabia, hopeful their team would make amends from their previous FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 match when they were held to a draw by Oman.

That result meant Morocco entered the final matchday under pressure, with the possibility of elimination on goal difference if they lost to the Saudis and Oman defeated Comoros.

However, those doubts were put to rest thanks to the determination of Tarik Sektioui’s men, who ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Karim El Berkaoui’s 11th-minute goal. Walid El Karti, one of the standout performers against Saudi Arabia, shared his thoughts on the team’s progress in his post-match interview with FIFA.

“The build-up to the tournament was short, but we’re getting better game by game,” he said.

“We hope to deliver an even better performance in the next match. We’re among the favourites (for the title), but there are other strong teams too.