The FIFA Arab Cup has reached its critical knockout phase in Qatar. On Thursday, the quest for the trophy intensifies with two high-stakes quarter-final matchups.
The tournament runs from December 1 to December 18. Today features a headline clash at the Khalifa International Stadium. Morocco is set to take on Syria in a battle for a semi-final spot.
Simultaneously, fans are gearing up for the day’s other fixture. Palestine will face Saudi Arabia in the second quarter-final showdown.
Morocco’s Path to the Quarters
Morocco has enjoyed a dominant run under head coach Tarik Sektioui. The “Atlas Lions” finished top of Group B with seven points. They remain undefeated in the tournament.
Their group stage campaign included:
- Victories: A 1-0 win against Saudi Arabia and a decisive 3-1 triumph over Comoros.
- Draws: A goalless 0-0 stalemate against Oman.
The team is driven by history. Morocco claimed the championship in 2012. Now, they aim to secure their second Arab Cup title.
Syria’s Resilient Run
Standing in their way is a resilient Syrian side. They qualified as the runner-up in Group A with five points.
Syria’s road to the last eight was hard-fought:
- Draws: They held both Palestine (0-0) and hosts Qatar (1-1) to draws.
- Victory: A crucial 1-0 win over Tunisia sealed their progression.
Weekend Action Ahead
The quarter-final action continues on Friday. Two more eagerly anticipated encounters will determine the final semi-finalists.
Jordan is scheduled to face Iraq. Meanwhile, Algeria will lock horns with the United Arab Emirates.
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