Saudi Arabia Become First Team to Reach Arab Cup Quarterfinals

Saudi Arabia became the first team to book a place in the Arab Cup quarterfinals after a composed 3-1 victory over Comoros on a decisive night in Group B, while Morocco were held to a tense 0-0 draw by Oman.

Playing in front of more than 32,000 fans at Al Bayt Stadium, the Green Falcons showcased their control and attacking fluency, with midfielder Mohamed Kanno and captain Salem Al Dawsari at the heart of a dominant display.

Despite Comoros defending in numbers and looking to counter, Saudi Arabia maintained pressure and found their breakthrough in first-half stoppage time. Al Dawsari drifted into space on the left and delivered a precise cross that Kanno powered home from close range, giving Saudi Arabia a deserved lead.

The same duo doubled the advantage shortly after the break. In the 51st minute, Al Dawsari surged forward before slipping a well-weighted pass into Kanno’s path. The midfielder finished confidently with his right foot to make it 2-0 and reinforce Saudi Arabia’s grip on the match.

Comoros briefly revived their hopes in the 63rd minute when Ibroihim Youssouf reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box and scored from close range. The goal sparked a short spell of pressure from the tournament debutants, but Saudi Arabia quickly reasserted control.

Al Dawsari sealed the win with a firm strike in the 76th minute, capping an outstanding personal performance and restoring the two-goal cushion. Saudi Arabia saw out the closing stages professionally to seal a second consecutive victory.

The result leaves Saudi Arabia top of Group B with six points from two matches. Morocco follow with four points, Oman have one, while Comoros, still without a point, are eliminated. Saudi Arabia will face Morocco at Lusail Stadium on December 8, with Comoros meeting Oman at Stadium 974.

Morocco frustrated as Oman earn a point

Earlier in the evening, Morocco and Oman played out a goalless draw in a match shaped by missed chances and a pivotal red card. A crowd of 38,000, largely backing Morocco, watched the Atlas Lions start on the front foot, with captain Abderrazzaq Hamdallah involved in their most dangerous moments.

Hamdallah went close in the 38th minute, but Oman goalkeeper Ibrahim Al Mukhaini produced a superb reaction save from close range, a moment that proved decisive and earned him the Player of the Match award.

The match turned early in the second half when Hamdallah was sent off for catching Musab Al Shaqsi in the face with a raised boot while attempting to control a high ball. Reduced to ten men, Morocco were forced to regroup defensively for the remainder.

Oman pushed forward with greater intent after the dismissal but struggled to convert possession into clear chances. Morocco remained compact and disciplined, relying on organisation and occasional counter-attacks as the game drifted toward a stalemate.

The draw keeps Morocco well positioned in Group B with four points, while Oman, now on one point, face a must-win clash against Comoros in their final group fixture.

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