Qatar Survive Late Scare to Keep Arab Cup Hopes Alive as Palestine Edge Closer to Knockouts

Qatar clung on to their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 hopes after a tense 1-1 draw with Syria in Group A, a result that just about stopped the hosts from sliding out of the tournament at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan. They had lost their opener to Palestine and another defeat here would’ve basically packed their bags for them.

Qatar did most of the pushing, rattling off 18 attempts to Syria’s two, but the longer it stayed goalless the more the locals started shifting in their seats. The breakthrough finally landed on 77 minutes, Ahmed Alaaeldin stabbing home after tidy work from Edmilson Junior, and that looked like it would drag them over the line with a sigh of relief.

But football loves a late kick in the teeth. Omar Kharbin smashed in an equaliser in the 90th minute, and Qatar’s players was left staring at the turf, knowing it could end up costing them later in the week. Syria had barely offered much but somehow still walked off feeling like the happier lot.

Group leaders Palestine also found themselves battling back earlier in the day, drawing 2-2 with Tunisia despite being two down. Tunisia flew out early, with Amor Layouni turning in Ismael Gharbi’s corner, before Firas Chaouat finished a square ball six minutes after the restart. Palestine didn’t roll over though, Hamed Hamdan volleying them back into it and Zaid Qunbar drilling low through bodies with five minutes left.

It means Palestine only need a point from their final game to book a place in the knockout stages, but a win will seal top spot and the bragging rights. Syria, meanwhile, are basically staring at the exit if they lose, which could leave Qatar and Tunisia going head to head in what amounts to a straight shoot-out for qualification.

The final round lands on Sunday. Qatar meet Tunisia at Al Bayt in Al Khor, which might get properly nervy, while Syria face Palestine at Education City in Al Rayyan. One nation has already got a foot in the door, the others are scrambling to force it open.

For Qatar, the draw keeps them alive but not exactly comfortable. They’ll need to be better than tidy possession and pray next time, or this Arab Cup adventure could still be painfully short.