Berkaoui, Hamdallah excel as Morocco secure spot in 2025 FIFA Arab Cup final

UAE's FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 title hopes were dashed after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Morocco in their semifinal at the Khalifa International Stadium on Monday.

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Goals from Karim El Berkaoui and substitute Achraf El Mahdioui powered Morocco to a deserved victory, booking their place in the final at Lusail Stadium on Thursday, where they will face either Saudi Arabia or Jordan.

The UAE began the contest on the front foot, pressing aggressively from the opening whistle and looking to unsettle Morocco with early possession and quick transitions.

However, that early dominance gradually faded as the African side grew into the match, tightening their shape and asserting control in midfield.

Morocco began to test goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbaali through a series of probing long-range efforts. El Berkaoui and Anas Bach both tried their luck from distance, while Oualid Azaro went close with a glancing header that was calmly gathered by the UAE goalkeeper.

UAE responded with moments of promise. Caio Lucas fired wide from long range before Majid Rashid nearly unlocked Morocco's defence in the 25th minute. A perfectly weighted through ball sent Bruno clean through on goal, but the Al Jazira midfielder failed to capitalise, shooting straight into the arms of Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Benabid.