Morocco’s Arab Cup triumph ignites nationwide celebration ahead of AFCON kick-off

Morocco could not have scripted a better prelude to hosting the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. Just three days before the continent’s biggest football tournament begins on home soil, the country erupted in celebration after on Thursday night the Atlas Lions clinched the Arab Cup with a dramatic 3–2 extra-time victory over Jordan. 

The win has electrified the national mood and intensified anticipation around a tournament that many expect Morocco to challenge for.

The result, secured by a late brace from Abderrazzaq Hamed Allah after a breathtaking opener from Oussama Tannane, continued a remarkable period of success across Moroccan football — from youth levels to the senior national team — reinforcing belief that the country heads into AFCON 2025 with momentum unlike anything seen before.

The final in Doha began at a furious pace, and Morocco needed only four minutes to stun Jordan. 

Spotting goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila off his line, Oussama Tannane unleashed an outrageous shot from the centre circle that sailed over the retreating keeper to give Morocco the lead.

The strike instantly set the tone for a game defined by ambition and nerve.

Jordan, preparing for their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2026, responded with renewed determination after the break.

Ali Olwan levelled the score with a thumping header in the 48th minute, then completed the turnaround from the penalty spot midway through the second half.

But Morocco refused to let the trophy slip away. Three minutes from the end of normal time, Hamed Allah reacted quickest inside the area to drill home the equaliser and force extra time.

The veteran striker struck again in the additional period, finishing from close range to restore Morocco’s lead and secure the Arab Cup title — a statement victory delivered despite several Europe-based stars being unavailable ahead of AFCON preparations.

The result adds yet another trophy to an extraordinary run for Moroccan football:

World Cup 2022: First African nation to reach the semi-finals.
U-20 World Cup 2025: Champions after beating Argentina 2–0 in the final.
U-17 World Cup: Quarter-finalists.
U-23 AFCON: Champions and bronze medallists at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

With AFCON 2025 kicking off on Sunday, Morocco enters the tournament as hosts with unprecedented confidence and depth across all levels of its football structure.