DOHA : The Jordan national football team delivered one of the biggest shocks of the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 on Monday night, defeating Saudi Arabia 1-0 at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor. Midfielder Nizar Al Rashdan struck the decisive blow in the 66th minute, sending Jordan into their maiden Arab Cup final and within touching distance of a first major international trophy.

The semifinal unfolded at a measured pace, with both sides cautious and chances limited in a quiet first half. Jordan gradually grew into the contest after the break, and the breakthrough came when Mahmoud Al Mardi sent in a pinpoint cross from the left, allowing Al Rashdan to finish clinically from close range.

Saudi Arabia responded with urgency. Salem Al Dawsari tested goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila with a sharp effort, while Saleh Al-Shehri squandered a golden chance late on as the Saudis pushed for an equaliser. Jordan, however, defended resolutely to seal a historic win.

The result marks a significant milestone for Jordan, whose best previous Arab Cup finish was fourth place when they hosted the tournament in 1988. Victory in the final would hand them their first FIFA Arab Cup title and their first podium finish in the competition, adding to earlier regional successes at the Pan Arab Games in 1997 and 1999.

Awaiting them in the final are Morocco, who underlined their title credentials with a commanding 3-0 victory over the United Arab Emirates at Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. Karim El Berkaoui opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a powerful header, before Achraf El Mahdioui and Abderrazak Hamdallah wrapped up the win late on.

Morocco, champions in 2012, now chase a second Arab Cup crown, while Jordan prepare for the biggest match in their tournament history.

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