فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Doha – Agencies
The Moroccan U-23 national team, known as the “Atlas Lions,” secured a valuable 1-0 victory over their Saudi counterparts, the “Green Falcons,” on Monday evening, December 8, 2025, in the third and final round of Group B in the Arab Cup held in Qatar. The lone goal of the match was scored by Karim El Barkawi in the first half, which ensured Morocco’s top spot with 7 points, surpassing Saudi Arabia’s 6 points. Both teams have qualified for the quarterfinals.
The match took place at the Lusail World Cup Stadium before a large crowd amid intense sporting tension. The win was essential for Morocco to avoid reliance on the result of the Oman vs. Comoros match, which ended in a draw, confirming the “Lions’” direct qualification as group leaders.
Match Summary: Defensive Domination and Decisive Goal
Morocco controlled the first half, scoring the decisive goal in the 32nd minute through Karim El Barkawi, who capitalized on a precise pass from Tarik Tissoudali to slot the ball into the Saudi net, marking his first goal of the tournament. Coach Tariq Skitiwi relied on a balanced starting lineup featuring Mehdi Benabid in goal; defenders Anas Bach, Soufiane Bouftini, Mohammed Bouksout, and Rabi Harimat; midfielders Walid El Karti, Marwan Saadan, and Amin Zahzouh; and forwards Hamza Moussaoui, Tarik Tissoudali, and Karim El Barkawi.
The second half saw intense Saudi attempts to equalize, but Morocco’s resilient defense, led by Bouftini and Harimat, repelled all threats, relying on quick counterattacks. Saudi Arabia squandered clear chances through Salem Al-Dawsari, a key player in previous matches, but goalkeeper Benabid made two crucial saves. The match ended with Saudi Arabia acknowledging qualification but as runners-up, complicating their path in the knockout stage.
Comfortable Qualification and High Ambitions
With this victory, Morocco secures first place in Group B, granting them an easier quarterfinal matchup against a runner-up from another group. After the game, coach Skitiwi expressed his happiness, saying, “This win reflects the team’s spirit and focus, and it is a step toward achieving greater success in the tournament.” Saudi assistant coach François Rodriguez admitted the difficulty of the challenge and praised Morocco’s defensive performance.
The match was broadcast on beIN Sports, Al Kass, and Kuwait Sports channels. This victory marks an important step for the Moroccan U-23 team in proving their capabilities, with ambitions to reach the advanced stages of the Arab Cup 2025.
