What Is 2019 Arab Club Champions Cup Final

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 Arab Club Champions Cup Final was held on August 22, 2019, at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE. Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia defeated Raja Casablanca of Morocco 4–3 in a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw in regulation time to claim their first title in the competition.

Key Facts

The final took place on August 22, 2019, at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE
Al-Hilal won 4–3 in penalties after a 1–1 draw following 90 minutes
Raja Casablanca opened the scoring through Walid El Karti in the 53rd minute
Al-Hilal equalized via a penalty by Carlos Eduardo in the 72nd minute
This was Al-Hilal's first Arab Club Champions Cup title

Overview

The 2019 Arab Club Champions Cup Final marked the culmination of a revived regional club competition featuring top teams from across the Arab world. Organized by the Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA), the tournament brought together champions and high-placing clubs from 18 different Arab nations, with the final hosted in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.

After a month-long competition involving knockout stages and group play, the final pitted Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal against Moroccan powerhouse Raja Casablanca. The match drew significant regional attention, highlighting the growing prestige of the restructured tournament.

Host venue: The final was held at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, a 25,000-capacity venue in Al Ain, UAE, on August 22, 2019.
Result: The match ended 1–1 after regulation, with Al-Hilal winning 4–3 in penalties to claim their first Arab Club Champions Cup title.
Scoring: Raja Casablanca took the lead in the 53rd minute through Walid El Karti, before Carlos Eduardo equalized via a penalty in the 72nd minute.
Historic achievement: This victory marked Al-Hilal’s first title in the competition, adding to their growing list of regional honors.
Tournament revival: The 2019 edition was the first since 2002, signifying the rebirth of the Arab Club Champions Cup after a 17-year hiatus.

How It Works

The Arab Club Champions Cup follows a hybrid format combining group stages and knockout rounds, featuring domestic league champions and high-ranked clubs from across the Arab world. The 2019 edition included 36 teams from 18 countries, competing for regional glory and prize money.

Qualification: Teams qualified based on domestic league performance, with champions and runners-up from top-tier Arab leagues earning entry.
Group Stage: The 36 teams were divided into 12 groups of three, with group winners advancing to the knockout phase.
Knockout Format: From the Round of 16 onward, matches were played as single-leg ties, hosted by higher-seeded teams.
Final Venue: The final was pre-assigned to Al Ain, UAE, ensuring a neutral-site championship match under UAFA oversight.
Penalty Rules: If tied after 90 minutes, matches went directly to penalty shootouts—no extra time was played in knockout rounds.
Governing Body: The Union of Arab Football Associations (UAFA) organized the tournament, with support from local federations and FIFA-recognized referees.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2019 final showcased key differences between Saudi and Moroccan football styles, infrastructure, and fan engagement. Below is a comparison of the two finalists:

Category	Al-Hilal (KSA)	Raja Casablanca (MAR)
League Title (2018)	2017–18 Saudi Professional League Champions	2018–19 Botola Champions
Manager	Ramón Díaz (Argentina)	Josef Zinnbauer (Germany)
Stadium Capacity	Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium (25,000)	Hassan II Stadium (45,000)
Final Goalscorer	Carlos Eduardo (penalty, 72')	Walid El Karti (53')
Penalty Success Rate	4/4 in the shootout	3/4 in the shootout

The match highlighted tactical discipline from Raja and squad depth from Al-Hilal, with the Saudi side leveraging superior fitness in the decisive moments. Despite Raja’s early lead, Al-Hilal’s composure under pressure proved decisive, especially in the penalty rounds.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Arab Club Champions Cup Final was more than just a regional title match—it symbolized the resurgence of pan-Arab football competitions after nearly two decades. Its success paved the way for future editions and increased investment in cross-border club tournaments.

Regional Unity: The tournament fostered cooperation among Arab football federations, promoting cultural and sporting exchange across national borders.
Commercial Growth: Broadcast deals and sponsorships for the 2019 edition exceeded $5 million USD, signaling rising market interest.
Player Exposure: Performances in the tournament boosted visibility for players like Carlos Eduardo, attracting European scouting attention.
Legacy for Al-Hilal: Winning the title added to Al-Hilal’s growing reputation as a dominant force in Asian and Arab football.
Revival Model: The 2019 format served as a blueprint for the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup, which expanded to 100+ teams.
Fan Engagement: Over 20 million viewers watched the final across Arabic networks, highlighting the tournament’s mass appeal.

The 2019 final not only crowned a champion but also reestablished a platform for elite club competition in the Arab world, setting a precedent for future continental-style tournaments with deep regional significance.