The semi-final of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, pitting Morocco against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), promises to be a confrontation filled with emotions and sporting rivalries that transcend the simple national duel.
Scheduled for December 15 in Doha, this crucial encounter will see not only two teams from friendly nations face off, but also many players who share the same locker room throughout the season in the Emirati Pro League. This scenario adds a personal and spicy dimension to the stakes, transforming daily friendship and solidarity into a temporary and passionate rivalry for national honor and a place in the final of the prestigious tournament.
This particularity is strongly marked by the presence of a significant contingent of Moroccan players playing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These players, selected by coach Tarik Sektioui, are well acquainted with the playing style of their Gulf opponents and are used to interacting with them weekly at their clubs. One of the most anticipated rivalries will see Moroccan central defender Soufiane Bouftini (Al-Wasl) face off against his own club teammates, Emirati midfielder Ali Saleh and naturalized Argentine midfielder Nicolas Gimenez.
Similarly, Moroccan striker Oualid Azaro will have the task of breaking through the Emirati defense, potentially marked by the presence of his own teammate at Ajman, defender Issam Faiz (of Moroccan origin but playing for the UAE). These direct top duels, where each player knows the strengths and weaknesses of the other, promise exceptional tactical and emotional intensity.
Another dimension is added with the potential confrontation of Achraf Bencharki. Although he currently plays for Al Ahly in Egypt, the Moroccan striker is a former player of Al-Jazira. If he returns from injury, Bencharki would face his former club friends: Emirati goalkeeper Ali Khaseif, naturalized Ghanaian defender Richard Akonnor, and naturalized Brazilian striker Bruno Conceição de Oliveira, all of whom are former teammates at Al-Jazira. Beyond the intra-club duels, other Moroccan players playing in the Emirates, such as Karim El Berkaoui (Al Dhafra) and Tarik Tissoudali (Khorfakkan), will also be major assets for the Atlas Lions. This match will thus be a true “teammate derby” where friendly ties will be set aside for 90 minutes in favor of national glory.
