Players to Watch
Mahmoud Al Mardi (Jordan)
A quietly crucial figure, Al Mardi has been the link between defense and attack in Jordan’s 3-4-2-1 system. Reliable, disciplined, and tactically intelligent, his role may become even more vital in the absence of Al Naimat as Jordan chase their first Arab Cup title.
Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco)
While Morocco’s defense has earned deserved praise, Hrimat is the glue that holds it together. The captain frequently drops between the centre-backs to form a back three, allowing the full-backs to push forward. Calm on the ball and authoritative off it, he is the engine of Morocco’s structure.
