Arab Cup Opens With Shockwaves

The FIFA Arab Cup returned to Doha with all the tension and unpredictability the region has come to expect, and on opening night, Group A delivered two seismic jolts. Syria’s disciplined 1-0 win over Tunisia at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium set the tone, before Palestine stunned hosts Qatar with a late own goal at Al Bayt Stadium, capping an extraordinary first chapter to a tournament once again staged in World Cup-calibre surrounds.

Tunisia, with the lively PSG academy product Ismael Gharbi and veteran full-back Ali Maaloul, seized early control. They camped in the Syrian half, stitching neat sequences through Moutaz Neffati and repeatedly attacking down both channels. Gharbi forced Syrian goalkeeper Shaher Alshaker into an early save, while Maaloul went close with a curling free-kick. Yet Syria, guided by Spanish coach José Lana’s compact and disciplined approach, slowed the rhythm, blocked lanes and disrupted every Tunisian surge.

Then came the moment of the night. Three minutes into the second half, the match changed direction. Omar Kharbin, Syria’s talismanic forward, stepped over a free-kick 25 yards out and bent a stunning strike into the top corner. The goal silenced the Tunisian bench and reminded the crowd of the quality once showcased across Qatar’s venues during the 2022 World Cup. Tunisia responded with urgency. Gharbi weaved into tight areas, striker Seifeddine Jaziri tried catching the keeper off his line and waves of red shirts pushed forward. Syria held their ground with remarkable resolve and closed out a famous opening win.

If that upset raised eyebrows, the late drama in Al Khor lifted them higher still. Qatar controlled long stretches, attacking through Akram Afif’s set pieces and the introduction of Edmilson Junior after the interval. Palestine, however, grew in belief, carving chances for Oday Dabbagh and Zeid Qunbar before finally forcing the breakthrough. Deep into added time, Sultan Al Brake inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, sealing a 1-0 Palestinian win that left Al Bayt stunned.

Today’s action continues with Morocco facing Comoros, Egypt meeting Kuwait at the iconic Lusail Stadium, and Saudi Arabia clashing with Oman in Education City.

For Bahrain, attention now shifts to tomorrow’s Group D opener against Iraq at Stadium 974. The national team has spent the past week preparing in Doha, with head coach Dragan Talajic insisting his side “have much more quality” while acknowledging the challenge ahead. “It’s important to start positively and insha’Allah the Bahraini people will be behind us. We will do it all together for our kingdom,” he said.