Arab Cup: The Atlas Lions roar and book their place in the final after a commanding win over the UAE (3-0)
The Atlas Lions made a powerful statement. Very powerful. On Monday at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan, Morocco’s national team delivered an authoritative 3-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates, securing their place in the Arab Cup final in emphatic fashion. It was a clear, controlled and promising performance that once again highlighted the team’s mental strength and collective maturity.
A controlled first half and a relieving header
Backed by a Moroccan crowd that once again showed up in force, the team quickly imposed its rhythm. After several dangerous situations, the breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Perfectly positioned inside the box, Karim El Berkaoui rose to meet the ball and powered an unstoppable header to open the scoring. A fully deserved goal, the result of steady dominance and sustained pressure on the Emirati defense.
Solid in duels, disciplined in their defensive shape and inspired in build-up play, the Atlas Lions went into the break with the lead, already displaying reassuring tactical control.
A brief wobble, then the Moroccan thunder
After halftime, the UAE tried to react and committed more players forward. Morocco bent but did not break. Benabid was outstanding between the posts, and a vigilant defense dealt with the danger, with the crossbar and post also coming to the rescue of the Red and Green during a tense spell.
As has often been the case with this side, the turning point came from the bench. The substitutions made the difference. In the 84th minute, El Mahdioui, who had just come on, calmly finished an action initiated by Abderrazak Hamdallah to double the lead. The blow was decisive and the opposition faltered.
In stoppage time, Hamdallah completed the recital by scoring the third goal in the 90+2 minute, sealing the outcome and unleashing celebrations across the stands.
A team, a mindset, an ambition
Beyond the scoreline, it was the attitude of the Atlas Lions that impressed most: patience, resilience, efficiency and solidarity. Able to absorb difficult moments before striking with composure, the Moroccan side showed it has all the tools needed to go all the way.
This qualification for the final confirms the depth of the national talent pool and the ability of Moroccan football to shine on every stage, in continuity with its recent successes.
Eyes on the trophy
Morocco will contest the final on Thursday, December 18, against either Saudi Arabia or Jordan, with a clear objective: bring the trophy home and add a new golden chapter to the national record. One thing is certain: these Lions are hungry. And when the Lions roar, the entire Arab world hears them.
Translated from Abderrazzak Boussaid’s French article – le7tv
