Post by : Maya Rahman

In a stunning turn of events, Asian champions Qatar were eliminated from the FIFA Arab Cup 2025 with a 3-0 loss to Tunisia. This defeat, alongside the 0-0 draw between Palestine and Syria, paved the way for both teams to advance to the quarterfinals for the first time ever. Qatar needed a significant win in their final Group A match but fell short of expectations, as Tunisia took early command at Al Bayt Stadium.

The opening goal came in the 16th minute from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane, capitalizing on an error by Qatar goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham. Despite holding 60 percent possession and generating a few half-chances, Qatar's attack remained blunt, with star forward Akram Afif unable to make a significant impact. Frustration grew among the home crowd as Qatar struggled to translate their possession into meaningful threats.

The second half continued to worsen for Qatar, with Tunisia extending their lead to 2-0 thanks to a close-range header from Yassine Meriah in the 62nd minute. Even after a red card reduced Tunisia’s squad, Qatar failed to exploit the situation. Tunisia ultimately secured their victory with a late goal from Mohamed Benali, dashing Qatar’s hopes and leaving the fans disheartened.

While Qatar was reeling from the loss, celebrations erupted at Education City Stadium just 48 kilometers away, where Palestine and Syria played to a tense goalless draw, also locking in their spots for the knockout round. Palestine had earlier stunned Qatar during the tournament’s opening match and managed a comeback against Tunisia in their second game. Their resilience and fighting spirit were on full display, supported by an enthusiastic fanbase celebrating their advancement.

The joyous scenes from Palestine, Syria, and their supporters marked a historic moment, especially as both nations navigate ongoing challenges at home. Despite being ranked lower than Qatar and Tunisia, their performances highlighted their determination and teamwork. As the tournament progresses, their journey has become one of the most uplifting narratives of the Arab Cup 2025, with fans cheering on their unexpected success in this prestigious football event. Their remarkable journey exemplifies the thrilling unpredictability of the competition and stands out as one of the major surprises of this year’s Arab Cup.

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