FIFA Arab Cup: Tunisia suffers blow with defeat to Syria in opener

Omar Khribin’s free kick strike early in the second half gave Syria a surprise 1-0 victory over Tunisia to kick off the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar on Monday.

After failing to advance from the group stage in their last three participations at the tournament, the Asian representatives got off to a dream start at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan for the 2025 edition. After Tunisia controlled the first half, Khribin’s free kick in the 48th minute was a shock that the North Africans failed to recover from.

The first half featured plenty of crosses and long range efforts from the Eagles of Carthage but rarely a serious challenge to the goal of Shaher Al Shakhir. While it seemed to be a matter of time until the favorites scored, the situation changed dramatically when Mohammad Al Salkhadi was fouled outside the penalty area to set up Khribin’s free kick.

Frustration continued for the African representatives after the interval. Ismael Gharbi fired a volley high over the crossbar shortly after the goal and Al Shakhir came up with a couple of saves to preserve the clean sheet for Syria.

Hosts Qatar will face Palestine later on Monday in Group A. Tunisia next take on Palestine on Thursday where they will need a victory to keep their hopes alive of advancing to the knockout stages.