The Tunisian selection has long believed to have its first victory in this Arab Cup. Dominant from the start at the Lusail stadium, she logically opened the scoring thanks to Amor Layouni, opportunistic at the far post after a double save from the Palestinian goalkeeper. The chances kept coming: Ismael Gharbi missed the break, and Aymen Dahmene had to intervene for the first time before the break to preserve his team’s lead.
Returning from the locker room, the Tunisians seem to definitively take stock of the match. A transition perfectly led by Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane allows Firas Chawat to take the 2-0 alone. At this moment, Tunisia seemed launched towards victory without trembling.
Palestinian awakening changes the scenario
But Palestine refuses to abdicate. Hamed Hamdan reignites the game with a clear strike from 18 meters, which reduces the gap and creates doubt in the Tunisian camp. A few minutes later, the Palestinians demanded a hand from Houssem Tka in the area, without convincing the referee – an episode which further galvanized their attacks.
The Palestinian push logically ends up materializing: Zaid Qunbar, perfectly launched in the axis, lands an unstoppable cross strike for the 2-2 five minutes from time. A massive blow for Tunisians incapable of containing the opposing dynamic.
A missed match point, a revived group
In added time, Ismael Gharbi had the opportunity to save the Tunisian evening, but the Palestinian goalkeeper relaxed magnificently to repel a 3-2 ball which would have changed the game.
The draw allows Palestine to remain at the top of Group A with 4 points, ahead of Syria (3). Tunisia, beaten when it entered the competition, stagnates in third place with a single point and will absolutely have to react on the last day. Qatar, the red lantern, faces Syria in the evening.
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