Category: FIFA ARAB CUP

Last chance for Qatar and Tunisia

Only a win will potentially do for hosts and FIFA Arab Cup 2021 runners-up as Syria and Palestine clash to settle the Group A section summit.

Heading into the final day of Group A action at the FIFA Arab Cup™, the section standings are certainly not how most would have had them looking. With just one point apiece, hosts Qatar and 2021 runners-up Tunisia are staring down the barrel of a stunning early exit.

Group APWDLGFGAGDPtsForm
1Palestine21103214—
2Syria21102114—
3Tunisia201123-11—
4Qatar201112-11—

Only a win in that pair’s direct confrontation in Al Khor will possibly keep their hopes alive as section pacesetters Syria and Palestine clash simultaneously in Al Rayyan.

Victory for either will secure top spot while a draw will see both progress, with Palestine as the group winners.

Syria stifle Qatar as Palestine salvage draw

The FIFA Arab Cup continued with two dramatic draws as Palestine and Syria fought back to secure thrilling points against Tunisia and Qatar respectively.

For the second straight match Palestine have struck late to secure a vital point that keeps them on course for a place in the knockouts at the FIFA Arab Cup™. The 2-2 draw with Tunisia sees the nation go level at the Group A summit with a Syria side that produced their own late drama in Al Rayyan.

Jose Lana’s side bolstered their qualification chances with a dramatic 1-1 draw which has put hosts Qatar’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages in the balance.

Qatar and Tunisia look to bounce back

The second slate of Group A matches at the FIFA Arab Cup sees surprise first-up winners Palestine and Syria look to keep the good times going in Qatar.

Having picked up stunning opening-day wins, Palestine and Syria will look to build on their positive starts as the second slate of Group A fixtures at the FIFA Arab Cup™ takes place in Al Rayyan and Lusail.

Palestine will tussle with FIFA World Cup-bound Tunisia, who will once again look to Ismael Gharbi for a spark, while Syria face a host nation desperate to turn around a modest spell of recent form under Julen Lopetegui.

Hamada: This is a victory for our people

Palestinian stars Rami Hamada, Tamer Seyam and Khalid Al Nabris react to their nation’s stunning FIFA Arab Cup win over Qatar.

  • Palestine stunned hosts Qatar to win their FIFA Arab Cup opener

  • Lions of Canaan sit joint-top of Group A

  • Rami Hamada, Tamer Seyam and Khaled Al Nabris react to the famous win

When the starting whistle blew at Al Bayt Stadium after a spectacular opening ceremony for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™, many expected the hosts – the reigning Asian champions, bound for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ – to walk away with all three points. But the determination of the Lions of Canaan turned the tables, and they snatched victory courtesy of a decisive own goal deep into second half stoppage time.

Many might wonder how Palestine pulled it off against the hosts, a side brimming with confidence and strong recent form. The answer, perhaps, lies in the words of the outstanding goalkeeper, Rami Hamada, who spoke to FIFA after the match and explained the secret behind Palestine’s overall improvement in recent months:

“I draw on support from my teammates,” he said. “When I see how serious they are on the pitch, how they’re completely focused, we’re able to help each other, and that’s the key our success: we stand as one, a united team.”

It seems that those three points have only whetted the appetite of coach Ihab Abu Jazar’s men as forward Zaid Qunbar told FIFA. “Our ambition before the match, even before this win, was to qualify for the knockout stages, and we’re on the right path. So the best is yet to come, God willing, and we’re striving to reach our goal.”

The Palestinians were quick to acknowledge the strength of their opponents, expressing tremendous satisfaction at defeating a team of such high calibre. They also see the win as a moment of joy for their people.

“My teammates put in a huge performance, with exceptional tactical discipline, and never deviated from the coach’s instructions. They really put in a massive effort,” Hamada said.

“This victory is not just for us (the players), but for our people back home in Palestine. Our goal is to bring a smile to their faces through football, which is what we have to offer, so it was a monumental victory for us.”

Meanwhile, star striker Tamer Seyam offered his take: “We dedicate this victory to our people and to our fans who came to support us in the stands. It was a difficult victory against the Asian champions, who will be playing at the next World Cup. We’re proud of the victory and hope for success in what lies ahead.”

The sentiment was echoed by substitute Khaled Al Nabris, one of the players Ihab sent on in the second half who injected vital momentum for the Lions of Canaan. “I congratulate the Palestinian people,” he said. “It was an important victory at the beginning of our Arab Cup journey, and we hope to continue in the same vein and qualify for the upcoming rounds.”

Despite the Palestinians’ euphoria, they acknowledged the difficulty of their upcoming match against Tunisia, even as they remain confident in their team’s abilities. “Our goal is always to win, and we go into every match with that mindset,” Hamada said.” But Tunisia are a very strong team, to be honest, and so are Syria, whom we respect and congratulate on their win. It won’t be an easy match. It’ll come down to the smallest details. But we’re playing at a high level, with discipline, and we’re delivering big performances. It’ll be a difficult encounter for both sides.”

Palestine currently top Group A alongside Syria, with three points each, and will face Tunisia at 17:30 local time on Thursday at Lusail Stadium.

Jordan and Iraq into quarters as Algeria win big

Elsewhere, Egypt struck late to secure a 1-1 draw with United Arab Emirates that keeps both nations’ progression hopes alive.

Jordan and Iraq have become the latest teams to reach the FIFA Arab Cup™ quarter-finals after victories over Kuwait and Sudan respectively.

Defending champions Algeria laid down a marker of their title credentials in a 5-1 thrashing of Bahrain, in a match where Redouane Berkane had a hand in four of the five goals.

Elsewhere, Egypt struck late to secure a 1-1 draw with the United Arab Emirates that keeps both nations’ progression hopes intact.