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Disappointment and Determination: UAE Fall to Morocco 3-0 in Arab Cup Semi-final

15 December 2025

Disappointment and Determination: UAE Fall to Morocco 3-0 in Arab Cup Semi-final
UAE players react during the Arab Cup semi-final against Morocco

Match Report

Hamad Al-Moqabli, the UAE's goalkeeper, and his teammate, striker Ali Saleh, expressed disappointment after their team's 0-3 defeat to Morocco in the Arab Cup semifinal at Khalifa International Stadium in Doha.

In televised remarks, Al-Moqabli said, 'I feel great disappointment because the UAE and its people deserved the joy of returning with the Arab Cup. We tried to reach the final by keeping a clean sheet and pushing to score, but luck was not on our side'.

He added, 'We still have a third-place match, but this does not lessen the disappointment I feel in my international debut for my country, and I pray that what comes next will be better, with positive results in our upcoming fixtures'.

Ali Saleh, the UAE forward, commented, 'Perhaps fewer rest days compared with the Moroccan squad today played a role, but it's not an excuse. I thank the UAE fans for their support and hope we seal our third-place clash'.

Punchline 1: If precision were a goal, UAE would be lifting the trophy by now—turns out the ball preferred a holiday.

Punchline 2: The defense played so tight that even the scoreboard forgot to blink—Morocco found a way in anyway.

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Emma Amme

I am Emma Amme, an English sports journalist born in 1998. Passionate about astronomy, contemporary dance, and handcrafted woodworking, I share my sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the result of the match?

Morocco defeated the UAE 3-0 in the Arab Cup semi-final.

What did the UAE players say after the match?

Both Hamad Al-Moqabli and Ali Saleh expressed disappointment and spoke about the effort, with a focus on the third-place game.

What did the players say about the third-place match?

They noted it remains and their aim is to win the third-place clash to end their Arab Cup campaign positively.

Who were the UAE players quoted in the report?

Hamad Al-Moqabli and Ali Saleh.