With defending champion Algeria’s quarter-final exit, there will be a new name engraved on the FIFA Arab Cup™ trophy later this week.
Just four nations remain alive at Qatar 2025 with a pair of heavyweight semi-finals in store. First up, it’s the last remaining African nation, Morocco that will clash with United Arab Emirates in Al Rayyan before an all-Asian affair in Al Khor as Saudi Arabia and Jordan tussle at Al Bayt Stadium.
Morocco v United Arab Emirates
Kick-off times
17:30 in Al Rayyan
15:30 in Rabat
18:30 in Abu Dhabi
Morocco last five matches: W4 D1 L0
United Arab Emirates last five matches: W1 D2 L2
The match
Both these nations fell in the quarters four years ago and are therefore aiming to reach the final for the first time. Morocco are one of just two undefeated nations at the tournament and are in the midst of a rich vein of form, although they will be without the suspended defender Mohamed Moufid and with fitness doubts over influential forward Tarik Tissoudali.
United Arab Emirates overcame a first up defeat against Jordan in the group stage to show steady improvement before eliminating defending champions Algeria on penalties in the quarters. Head coach Cosmin Olaroiu remains without several injured players, led by Fabio Lima and Khalid Eisa but will have been delighted by the growing presence of young keeper Hamad Al Meqbaali and dynamic line leaders Caio and Bruno.
Players to watch
In what’s expected to be a closely-fought and perhaps low-scoring tussle, the respective defences could well help sway the outcome in Al Rayyan. On that front, Morocco have been outstanding, conceding just the once in four matches, and that was an own goal inside the first hour of their opening fixture against Comoros. At the heart of the water-tight backline has been the impressive Soufiane Bouftini. The 31-year-old has an healthy strike rate for a defender and has already scored at Qatar 2025 but it’s his composure on the ball and control and quality off it that has stood out at the regional showpiece.
With long-serving custodian Khaild Eisa unavailable, Olaroiu has turned to 22-year-old Hamad Al Meqbaali in goal and the Shabab Al Ahli man hasn’t disappointed. The young keeper starred in his nation’s shoot-out win in the quarters and has shown solid distribution and fine shot-stopping throughout the tournament.
Suspended players
Mohamed Moufid (Morocco)
Marcus Meloni (United Arab Emirates)
What they said….
“We have some players that are missing but, God willing, we will overcome these obstacles and be ready for the upcoming matches. We’ve had some issues, but what’s important is that we find solutions.”
Walid Azaro, Morocco forward
“We were thankful for our goalkeeper in the quarter-final win but now we need to prepare and recover in time to face Morocco, and hopefully we’ll manage to win again.”
Lucas Pimenta, United Arab Emirates defender
Saudi Arabia v Jordan
Kick-off times
20:30 in Al Khor
20:30 in Riyadh
20:30 in Amman
Saudi Arabia last five matches: W3 D0 L2
Jordan last five matches: W4 D1 L0
The match
It’s a heavyweight tussle between a pair of AFC nations that are headed for next year’s FIFA World Cup™ as the Green Falcons and Nashama clash in Al Khor. Herve Renard’s Saudi Arabia blazed to a pair of opening wins before rotating their squad in the final group outing, where they lost 1-0 against Morocco. A hard-fought quarter-final win against Palestine came with the side pushed all the way to extra-time and with mercurial forward Salem Al Dawsari in dazzling form they pose a constant threat going forward.
With nine goals, Jordan are the highest scoring nation at the tournament but they suffered a seismic blow in the quarter-final win over Iraq as star forward Yazan Al Naimat went down with a serious knee injury.
Players to watch
In a star-studded Jordan side, Adham Al Quraishi has quietly impressed. The 30-year-old right-back only recently received his first national team caps but starred in the quarter-final win against Iraq. Displaying strength and composure under pressure, he dealt calmly with a strong period of Iraq control, constantly winning duels and one-on-one battles.
Saudi’s elegant midfielder controller Mohamed Kanno also continues to impress in attack, competing for the top scorer award with three goals so far. He is also a familiar source of stability and strength in midfield thanks to his vision and physical quality and the ideal foil for the flair of Al Dawsari.
Suspended players
None
What they said….
“There are no easy games. Every match in this competition is tough. Our task is to give it everything, and we hope for the best.”
Ali Majrashi, Saudi Arabia defender
“We deserve to be in the semi-finals; we didn’t get here by chance. The next match will be tough, and we’ll prepare for it properly. We hope to deliver a performance worthy of the Jordanian national team.”
Mohammad Abu Hashish, Jordan midfielder
