MENA Sports Wrap: Arab Cup kicks off with shock Syria, Palestine victories

The highly-anticipated FIFA Arab Cup kicked off in Qatar on Monday, with surprise results for Syria and Palestine, who are could emerge as the competition's dark horses.

Historic triumph for Syria

The Palestinian and Syrian teams have made heroic starts at the FIFA Arab Cup, which began in Qatar at the start of the week.

Syria faced one of the tournament’s favourites, Tunisia, on Monday’s batch of group stage games.

Tunisia had several chances to lead the match, but a well-timed tackle from defender Khaled Kourdoghli and consecutive misses by Fares Chaouat, Yassine Meriah, and Ali Maaloul denied them a first-half lead.

The Carthage Eagles were dealt a massive blow after forward Omar Khribin put Syria ahead with a thumping free kick in stoppage time, bringing joy to the country and its fans.

Tunisia had a chance to go level again but failed to convert their chances with Syria's goalkeeper Shaher Al Shaker giving a performance of a lifetime in the net.

On Thursday, Syria faced tournament hosts Qatar, who are currently the AFC Asia Cup title holders. Though the Maroons had 18 shots on target, the side only managed to convert one chance after Ahmed Alaaeddin struck in the 77th minute. Qatar were handed a shock draw after Khribin struck again, bringing the score line to 1-1 with a surprise 90th minute strike.

Syria now sit second in Group A, and are very much on their way to the knockout stage.

Palestine emerge as Group A leaders

The Palestinian national team have also had a formidable start to the tournament, collecting four points from two games, which has seen them currently lead Group A.

On Monday, Palestine defeated Qatar with a last-minute own goal following a mistake from Sultan Al-Bureike, amid scrappy efforts to clear the penalty area. Playing mostly defensively, the hosts and the Palestine side created few chances, failing to convert efforts from key defence players such as Wajdi Nabhan, Oday Dabbagh, Lucas Mendes, Ahmed Alaaeldin, and Edmilson.

But the 95th-minute own goal was enough for the side to secure an indispensable three points in the tournament’s opening game.

Qatar, one of the tournament’s higher-ranking teams, will have to avoid defeat on Sunday against Tunisia to maintain their chances of staying in the competition - or will otherwise face an early shock exit.

In another twist, group leaders Palestine also came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Tunisia earlier on Thursday.

The Eagles of Carthage took the lead initially in the 15th minute after Amor Layouni ensured the ball went behind the goal following a header from Chaouat first.

Tunisia extended their lead in the second half after Chaouat netted a second in the Palestinian goal, after a mistake from the Palestinian defence which gave the ball away.

The Palestinian side, however, continued to press despite falling behind. Hopes were rejuvenated after Hamed Hamdan fired the ball from outside the penalty area in the 61st minute, while Zeid Qunbar levelled the game in the 85th minute – erupting the Lusail Stadium. Qunbar was later named Man of the Match.

Syria and Palestine, the likely teams headed to the quarterfinals, will face each other on Sunday at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, while a decisive match between Qatar and Tunisia will also take place at Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.

Palestine only needs a draw to make it to the knockout stage, and a win to secure the top spot.

Standard results from region's leading teams

Other games to take place were a Moroccan 3-1 victory of the Comoros Islands on Tuesday, following goals from Soufiane Bouftini, Tarik Tissoudali and Karim El Berkaoui, while Saudi Arabia triumphed over Oman with goals from Firas Al-Buraikan and Saleh Al-Shehri.

Also on Tuesday, Group C’s Egypt and Kuwait ended their bout with 1-1 draw, while Jordan dominated their game against the UAE and secured a 2-1 victory.

On Wednesday, Algeria and Sudan’s game also saw a goalless draw, though Iraq clinched a victory against Bahrain with two goals to one.

On Friday, Morocco and Saudi Arabia will be expected to beat Oman and the Comoros, respectively, while Saturday will see teams from Groups C and D vie for victory, and attempt to inch closer to the quarterfinals.