FIFA Arab Cup: Tunisia eliminated despite win over hosts Qatar

Tunisia are out at the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar despite overcoming the hosts 3-0 in their Group A finale on Sunday.

Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane opened the scoring in the first half before captain Yassine Meriah headed in the second goal after the hour mark. However, it was Syria and Palestine who will advance to the quarterfinals after a 0-0 draw left both teams with more points than the North Africans.

With both teams in need of a victory to preserve their hopes of reaching the knockout stages, the Eagles of Carthage outclassed the hosts throughout. An intricate team movement down the left flank created space for Ali Maaloul, whose low cross caused chaos in the Qatari penalty area before Al Ahly midfielder Ben Romdhane moved in to finish from a rebound.

Any hope for the hosts was eliminated in the 62nd minute when a corner kick from the right wing was flicked on towards the far post for Esperance de Tunis defender Meriah to nod in.

Tunisia had little trouble holding onto their lead for the remainder of the match despite Seifeddine Jaziri’s expulsion shortly after Meriah’s goal for a second yellow card. In the final seconds, the Eagles of Carthage added one more goal when Meriah’s club teammate Mohamed Ben Ali fired in from the right wing.

But in the other match, happening simultaneously, Syria and Palestine were more than content to limit their attacking efforts knowing that both teams would advance with a draw. Both teams finished Group A play with five points, each one ahead of the lone African representatives in the group.

Action will continue on Monday when Group B finishes up. Morocco will face group leaders Saudi Arabia where they are guaranteed to advance if they avoid defeat.