Tunisia stunned by Syria, hosts Qatar go through in Arab Cup

Ahram Online , Friday 3 Dec 2021

Tunisia slumped to a surprise 2-0 loss to Syria while hosts Qatar scored a stoppage-time goal to reach the FIFA Arab Cup quarters with a 2-1 win over Oman on Friday.

Syria v Tunisia
Syria s players celebrate following their win during the FIFA Arab Cup 2021 group B football match between Syria and Tunisia at the Al-Bayt Stadium in the city of Al-Khor on December 3, 2021 (AFP)

Striker Akram Afif fired Qatar in front in the 32nd minute but UAE-based forward Khalid Al-Hajri brought Oman level on 74 minutes.

However, Afif struck again seven minutes into the additional time to send Qatar through to the knockout phase after they bagged maximum six points from two games in Group A.

Iraq are second on two points, with Bahrain and Oman having just collected one point apiece.

In Group B, Tunisia missed out on the chance of sealing progress following their defeat against Syria.

Striker Oliver Kawo opened the scoring as early as the fourth minute and midfielder Mohammad Anez wrapped up the win two minutes after the restart.

The United Arab Emirates moved top of the group with six points after beating Mauritania 1-0, thanks to a stoppage-time strike from Khalil Ibrahim.

Tunisia are second on three points, level on Syria. Mauritania lie at the bottom with no points.

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