The media photographer Muhanned al attabi

Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui kept his promise and didn’t play for a draw against Saudi Arabia, securing a 1-0 victory and qualifying for the quarterfinals of the 2025 Arab Cup in Qatar on Monday, despite Abdullah Al-Hamdan missing a penalty for the visitors near the end.

In the final round of Group B matches, Morocco needed at least a draw to qualify after Saudi Arabia had already secured their place with six points from two wins. However, Morocco’s victory propelled them to the top of the group with seven points.

At the Lusail Stadium, one of the World Cup venues, Saudi Arabia started strongly. In the sixth minute, a long ball from near the halfway line found Saleh Abu Shamat, who headed it brilliantly over goalkeeper Mehdi Benabid, but the ball struck the crossbar.

Against the run of play, Morocco took the lead in the 11th minute with a close-range shot from Karim El Berkaoui after excellent work from his teammate Tarik Tissoudali, the Khorfakkan striker.

In the 22nd minute, Tissoudali fulfilled his defensive duty, pressuring Waleed Al-Ahmad and preventing a dangerous Saudi attack, resulting in a goal kick for Morocco.

Ten minutes before the end of the first half, Mohamed Harimat received a yellow card for a foul on Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, which halted a promising Saudi attack

 

The Saudi goalkeeper made a crucial save from Tissoudali’s dangerous attempt in the 78th minute.

 

Oman exits the 2025 Arab Cup. Oman was eliminated from the competition despite a 2-1 victory over Comoros in the other final match of Group B. Oman finished with 4 points, while Comoros finished bottom of the group with no points.

The media photographer Muhanned al attabi