Doha, Qatar – Palestine secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Tunisia in a thrilling FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 Group A match yesterday at Lusail Stadium. The Palestine national football team mounted a spirited comeback, fueled by goals from Hamed Hemdan and Zaid Qunbar, to earn a valuable point and boost their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. The result leaves Group A wide open with all teams still in contention.
The match saw Tunisia take an early lead through Amor Layouni in the 16th minute, followed by a second goal from Firas Chaouat shortly after halftime. However, Palestine refused to concede defeat, battling back with determination to salvage a draw and maintain their momentum in the tournament.
Palestine’s Comeback Fuels Arab Cup Quarter-Final Hopes
Tunisia dominated the early stages of the match, creating several opportunities. Rami Hamada, the Palestine goalkeeper, was forced to make a series of crucial saves to keep his team in the contest. Layouni eventually broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a rebound after Hamada initially blocked a header and a follow-up attempt.
Despite falling behind, Palestine, who previously upset hosts Qatar, continued to press forward. Saleh Mohammed came close to equalizing in the first half, but his effort was thwarted by Tunisian goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen.
Chaouat extended Tunisia’s lead in the 51st minute, seemingly putting the game beyond Palestine’s reach. However, the Palestinian side demonstrated resilience and refused to surrender.
Turning the Tide in the Second Half
Hamed Hemdan ignited Palestine’s comeback in the 61st minute, scoring a low drive from the edge of the box after Tunisia failed to clear a corner. This goal injected renewed energy into the Palestinian team and shifted the momentum of the match.
The equalizer arrived in the 85th minute through Zaid Qunbar, who powerfully struck the ball into the net following a quick free-kick. The late goal sent the Palestinian supporters into raptures and secured a crucial point for their team. The Arab Cup is proving to be a competitive tournament.
Tunisian midfielder Ferjani Sassi expressed his disappointment with the draw, stating that his team had performed well but ultimately conceded a costly goal. According to Sassi, Tunisia created numerous chances but were unable to capitalize on them. He emphasized that despite the setback, he had no criticism for his players.
Meanwhile, Palestine’s performance highlights the growing strength of Asian football and their potential to compete on the international stage. Their tactical discipline and unwavering spirit have been key to their success in the tournament so far.
The draw leaves Tunisia facing a must-win situation in their next match against Qatar. They currently trail Palestine and Syria in the Group A standings and need a victory to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. Palestine will face Syria on Sunday, aiming to secure their place in the next round. The outcome of these matches will significantly impact the final standings and determine which teams advance from the group.
The next few days will be critical for both teams as they prepare for their respective matches. The focus will be on refining tactics, maintaining player fitness, and capitalizing on opportunities to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025. The tournament continues to deliver exciting matches and unpredictable results, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
