Morocco players and officials celebrate after reaching the FIFA Arab Cup final. PICTURE: Mohammed FaraG/The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Morocco booked their place in the FIFA Arab Cup final in style, securing a dominant 3-0 win over the United Arab Emirates at the Khalifa International Stadium yesterday.
Morocco struck at key moments, with Karim El Berkaoui opening the scoring in the 28th minute. Ashraf El Mahdioui doubled the lead late on 83 minutes, before Abderrazak Hamdallah sealed the victory in stoppage time, scoring in the second minute of added time.
The victory earned them a place in the FIFA Arab Cup final for a second time, following their heroics in 2012 when they lifted the title, beating Libya in a shootout.
Morocco head coach Tariq Sektioui said they expected tougher resistance from the strong UAE side.
“It was a tough match, but we controlled the first half and created the better chances. We expected a stronger reaction from the UAE in the second half, and that happened, but our players stayed calm and managed the game well,” Sektioui said in a post-match press conference.
“We are very happy with the victory and qualification for the final. Our goal is to lift the trophy,” Sektioui said.
“The substitutions were effective. They gave the team extra energy and helped us extend the lead and decide the match,” he said.
“The players were fantastic and showed great team spirit. There is a strong sense of responsibility in this group. We are one family, and our aim is to raise the Moroccan flag high,” said the Moroccan coach.
In front of 33,898 spectators at Doha’s iconic venue, El Berkaoui set the tone just before the half-hour mark, rising to meet Hamza El Moussaoui’s cross to net the opening goal with a brilliant header.
The Atlas Lions never gave up the lead, and maintained control throughout the match.
After the break, Morocco’s defence again proved superior, with Soufiane Bouftini and Marwane Saadane dealing with UAE crosses as the Emiratis struggled to test the opposite goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid.
El Mahdioui doubled the lead in the 83rd minute, adding the finishing touches to a clever Hamdallah pass from close range. Substitute Hamdallah then added the third himself in stoppage time, converting Mohamed Boulacsout’s cross to seal the deal for the Atlas Lions.
Morocco are now one step away from lifting the title, and coach Sektioui indicated that the victory is a huge morale booster.
“The final will be very difficult, but this 3-0 win is a big motivation for us to give everything and fight for the championship,” Sektioui said.
“I thank the Moroccan fans for their strong support in every match. We hope to dedicate the title to them.”
