The 1988 Arab Cup was the fifth edition of the Arab Cup hosted by Amman, Jordan. The defending champion Iraq won the title for the 4th consecutive time.
Historical context The 1988 Arab Cup was held from 8 to 21 July 1988 during the final phase of the Iran–Iraq War (1980–1988). A ceasefire was agreed on 20 August 1988, shortly after the tournament concluded.
The competition took place against a backdrop of regional political tensions. The war did not directly affect the organisation or format of the tournament.
Iraqi football in this period has later been discussed in connection with the control of sport under Uday Saddam Hussein, although such accounts generally relate to the wider period rather than this specific tournament.
Qualification Jordan qualified automatically as hosts and Iraq as holders.
Zone 1 (Gulf Area)
Bahrain and Kuwait qualified.
Zone 2 (Red Sea)
Egypt and Saudi Arabia qualified.
Zone 3 (North Africa) The tournament was held in Algiers, Algeria. Libya and Morocco withdrew.
Team211030+33211021+13200215–40
Algeria and Tunisia qualified.
Zone 4 (East Region) The tournament was held in Aleppo, Syria. Team220051+44201112–11201103–31 Syria and Lebanon qualified.
Qualified teams The 10 qualified teams are: Participants ZoneTeamHostsHoldersZone 1 (Gulf Area)Zone 2 (Red Sea)Zone 3 (North Africa)Zone 4 (East Region) Notes
Final tournament
Venues Amman Amman International Stadium Capacity: 25,000
Squads
Group stage Algeria and Saudi Arabia did not send their senior national teams to the competition. Instead, Algeria sent a University XI, probably an Under-23 squad, while Saudi Arabia's A team was in Australia during the tournament.Arab Cup 1988 Amman, Jordan (July 8-21)
Group A Team422040+46413031+25412124−24403134−13402214−32
Group B Team421142+2542114405 41213304411223−13403123−13
Knock-out stage
Semi-finals
Third place play-off
Final
Top scorers 4 Goals Ahmed Radhi
2 Goals
Tarek Hadj Adlane Hossam Hassan Nart Yadaje Mahmoud Hamoud Mohammad Jakalan
References
External links Details in RSSSF