Saudi Arabia Edges Palestine in Dramatic Arab Cup Quarterfinal as Morocco Powers On

Saudi Arabia Ends Palestine’s Historic Run in Extra Time Thriller

On a brisk December night at Lusail Stadium, Palestine’s dream at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup came to a dramatic halt. Facing Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals, the Lions of Canaan fought tooth and nail, but ultimately fell 2-1 after extra time. It was a match that stretched nerves, tested resolve, and reminded fans that football’s finest moments are often forged in heartbreak and hope.

This was no ordinary game for Palestine. For the first time in six Arab Cup appearances, they had reached the knockout rounds, carrying with them the hopes of a nation and the momentum from a historic run in the AFC Asian Cup earlier this year. But against Saudi Arabia, a team with pedigree and recent form, the challenge was always going to be immense.

How the Match Unfolded: Penalties, Passion, and a Last-Gasp Header

The opening half was a tense chess match, with Saudi Arabia holding more possession and showing greater attacking intent. According to Al Jazeera, only one shot found its way on target, a testament to the tightness of the contest. Salem Al-Dawsari nearly unlocked the Palestinian defense, darting into the box and forcing goalkeeper Rami Hamada into a desperate save. But both sides held firm, refusing to concede early ground.

The breakthrough came in the 58th minute. Al-Dawsari, again at the heart of Saudi’s attacking play, surged into the box and was brought down by Mohammed Saleh. Firas Al-Buraikan stepped up and coolly converted the penalty, sending Hamada the wrong way. The Green Falcons were ahead, and for a moment, it seemed the tide had turned.

But Palestine refused to wilt. Just six minutes later, Oday Dabbagh produced a flash of brilliance. Meeting a deep cross from the right, he controlled with his left and, in one fluid motion, fired a right-footed shot past the keeper. The score was level, and the Palestinian contingent roared with belief.

The rest of regulation saw chances for both sides, but nerves tightened as the clock ticked down. A fierce strike from Ali Majrashi clipped the bar for Saudi Arabia, while Dabbagh nearly became the hero again in the dying moments. There were contentious moments too—a goal disallowed for offside, and a handball penalty overturned after VAR review, both involving Saleh. The tension was palpable, every decision a potential turning point.

Extra Time Drama: Kanno’s Header Seals Saudi Victory

With the score locked at 1-1, the match moved into extra time. Both teams looked exhausted but driven. Then, in the 115th minute, came the decisive blow. Mohamed Kanno, rising above the defense, met a well-placed cross and directed a stooping header into the net. Palestine’s hopes faded as the Saudis celebrated—a moment of class, and heartbreak for the underdogs.

Palestine fought until the end. Dabbagh had one last chance, a volley that could have sent the match to penalties, but it sailed wide. When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard told a simple story: Saudi Arabia 2, Palestine 1. But the emotions, the effort, and the journey behind those numbers were anything but simple.

Morocco’s Statement Win: Atlas Lions March into Semifinals

Elsewhere, Morocco underlined their credentials as title contenders. Facing a resolute Syria, the Atlas Lions dominated possession and pressed relentlessly. Walid Azaro emerged as the match-winner, pouncing on a rebound in the 79th minute to secure a 1-0 victory, as reported by beIN SPORTS.

The closing stages were anything but calm. VAR intervention led to a red card for Morocco’s Mohamed Moufid, leaving his side with ten men. But Morocco showed defensive discipline and composure, refusing to let Syria exploit the chaos. The win sends Morocco into the semifinals, where they’ll face the victor between Algeria and the UAE. Their blend of tactical control, depth, and resilience has marked them as serious contenders.

What’s Next: Semifinal Showdowns Loom

Saudi Arabia’s reward for their quarterfinal triumph is a date with either Jordan or Iraq in the semifinals. For Palestine, it’s the end of a historic campaign—one that has inspired fans across the region and highlighted their growing footballing pedigree. Morocco, meanwhile, look ahead with ambition, knowing the path to the final will only get tougher.

Across the tournament, the Arab Cup has delivered drama, unexpected heroes, and moments that will linger long after the final whistle. Lusail Stadium, built for the 2022 World Cup, provided the perfect stage for these stories to unfold.

For Saudi Arabia, the journey continues. For Palestine, it’s a bittersweet farewell, but with pride restored and new heights reached. And for Morocco, the dream of lifting the trophy burns brighter than ever.

Saudi Arabia’s victory over Palestine was a testament to both experience and resilience, while Palestine’s run showed the transformative power of belief and unity in sport. Morocco’s measured win highlights that in tournament football, control and character matter as much as flair. As the Arab Cup semifinals approach, expect more drama, more dreams—and perhaps, a new champion.