Yaqeen Blog

The roar of 85,000 fans at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2025, wasn't just for a football match—it was for a historic display of Arab unity and sporting excellence. In a finale that echoed the magic of the 2022 World Cup, Morocco secured their second Arab Cup title in a heart-stopping 3-2 victory over Jordan after extra time.

For the millions of fans across the Maghreb, the Levant, and the Gulf, this tournament proved that Arab football is currently in its "Golden Era."

The Match Report: A Rollercoaster in the Rain

Despite uncharacteristic rain on Qatar's National Day, the atmosphere was electric. The match started with one of the most audacious goals in tournament history and ended with a veteran striker cementing his legacy.

Tournament Statistics & Award Winners

The 2025 edition saw a total of 77 goals scored over 32 matches, with an incredible total attendance of 1,236,600 spectators.

• Champions: Morocco (2nd Title)

• Runners-up: Jordan (Best-ever finish)

• Third Place: Shared between Saudi Arabia and UAE (Third-place play-off abandoned due to severe lightning).

• adidas Golden Ball (Best Player): Mohamed Rabie Hrimat (Morocco)

• adidas Golden Boot (Top Scorer): Ali Olwan (Jordan) - 6 Goals

• adidas Golden Glove (Best GK): El Mehdi Benabid (Morocco)

• FIFA Fair Play Award: Syria

The Cultural Impact: Qatar’s National Day

Hosting the final on December 18 (Qatar National Day) was no coincidence. The tournament acted as a cultural bridge, bringing together 16 nations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the Amir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, presented the trophy to Morocco’s captain, Mohamed Hrimat, under a sky lit by celebratory fireworks.

Key Takeaways for the Future

1. Jordan’s Emergence: The Nashama have proven they are a rising power in Asia, finishing as the tournament's highest-scoring team (12 goals).

2. Morocco's Depth: Even without several European-based stars, the "local" Atlas Lions demonstrated the tactical discipline and "champion mentality" that led them to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.

3. Future Hosting: FIFA has confirmed that Qatar will continue to be the home of the Arab Cup, with the next editions scheduled for 2029 and 2033.

Was Oussama Tannane’s halfway-line strike the greatest goal in Arab Cup history?

🔗 Official Sites & Live Data:

▪️ Official FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Tournament Page

▪️ FIFA+ Highlights: Watch Morocco vs Jordan Full Match Replay

▪️ Visit Qatar: Official Fan Guide and Stadium Info

▪️ FotMob: Detailed Player Ratings and Match Heatmaps

As the world’s eyes turn toward Morocco for the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 this Sunday, a shadow looms over the tournament’s gleaming new stadiums. While the government prepares for a continental celebration, thousands of Moroccan youth are telling a very different story—one of arbitrary detentions, "horrific" police brutality, and a desperate plea for basic dignity.

This is the story of "Gen Z 212", the largest youth-led protest movement Morocco has seen since the Arab Spring, and the heavy price they are paying for demanding a future.

📱 What is Gen Z 212?

Named after Morocco’s international dialing code (+212), the movement is a decentralized, leaderless collective of young Moroccans born between 1997 and 2012.

Unlike previous movements led by political parties or unions, Gen Z 212 organized in the shadows of the internet—primarily on Discord and TikTok. What began as a small digital community exploded into a nationwide force of over 250,000 members, united by a singular frustration: Hogra (a Moroccan term for the denial of dignity and the feeling of being crushed by the state).

🏥 The Spark: A Tragedy in Agadir

While the movement grew from long-standing economic pain, the "boiling point" was reached in September 2025.

• The Catalyst: The tragic death of eight expectant mothers at a public hospital in Agadir due to a lack of basic medical care and staff shortages.

• The Disparity: Morocco currently has only 7.3 doctors per 10,000 people, far below the WHO recommendation of 15.3.

• The Slogan: Protesters began chanting: "We want hospitals, not stadiums!"—a direct jab at the billions being spent on sports infrastructure while public services crumble.

🚨 The Crackdown: Allegations of "Horrific" Abuse

The Moroccan government’s response to the September and October demonstrations was swift and severe. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and the AMDH, have documented a disturbing pattern of state violence:

1. Arbitrary Detentions: More than 2,400 people are currently being prosecuted. Hundreds are minors, some as young as 12. 

2. Physical Abuse: Reports have surfaced of detainees being beaten with electrical wires and, in one harrowing case reported by The Guardian, an 18-year-old losing his teeth during a violent arrest at a snack bar.

3. Lethal Force: On October 1, 2025, three protesters were shot and killed by security forces in the town of Lqliâa.

4. Coerced Confessions: Lawyers report multiple procedural violations, with young protesters allegedly forced to sign "confessions" after hours of being denied food, water, or legal counsel. 

"My son was not even protesting... he was hit so badly he lost some of his teeth." — Testimony from a mother of a detained 18-year-old.

⚽ The AFCON Dilemma: Stadiums vs. Schools

The timing of these protests is no accident. Morocco is currently in a massive spending cycle as it prepares to host:

• AFCON 2025 (Starting this week)

• FIFA World Cup 2030 (Co-hosted with Spain and Portugal)

While the government argues these events bring tourism and global prestige, the youth movement points to the 35.8% youth unemployment rate and asks why a $75 million stadium in Rabat is a higher priority than a functional maternity ward.

🔮 What Happens Next?

Despite a temporary pause in October after a speech by King Mohammed VI—who promised increased social spending in the 2026 budget—the tension remains at a breaking point. As teams arrive for the Africa Cup of Nations, the "Gen Z 212" organizers have called for boycotts and renewed demonstrations to ensure the world doesn't just see the football, but also the faces of those in detention.

🔗 Official Sources & Reports:

▪️ The Guardian: Morocco accused of 'horrific' abuse of detained Gen Z protesters

▪️ ARTICLE 19: Morocco—End the crackdown on peaceful protests

▪️ ISS Africa: Gen Z 212 loses steam in Morocco but energy remains

▪️ Arab Center DC: Morocco at Breaking Point? The Rise of Gen Z 212