Tunisia begins the 2025 Arab Nations Cup against Syria in a context of reduced numbers and disrupted preparations. Despite the absences and late arrivals, the Carthage Eagles want to make a success of their entry to avoid a tricky start in Group A.
Tunisia begins its campaign in Qatar this Monday with a first test against Syria at the Ahmed Ben Ali stadium, kick-off at 2 p.m. This opening match comes in a restrictive context, marked by shortened preparation and a squad still in restructuring. In a tight group where every point will count, the Eagles of Carthage have no right to make a mistake.
Preparation disrupted
Sami Trabelsi has to deal with numerous absences and an incomplete squad until the day before the match. Seven players from Esperance de Tunis joined the selection upon their return from Angola after their Champions League match against Petro Atlético, reducing collective working time.
This situation complicates the establishment of tactical markers and poses a real physical challenge for the players concerned. The technical staff will have to find a balance between intensity, effort management and cohesion to avoid a delicate start.
The match will be refereed by a Costa Rican trio led by Juan Calderon, assisted by Juan Carlos Mora and William Arrieta, with Guatemalan Mario Escobar as replacement referee.
The memory of 2021 as a driving force
This duel against Syria has a symbolic dimension. During the previous edition in 2021, Tunisia lost 2â0 in a poorly negotiated match which is still present in people’s minds. This time, the Carthage Eagles want to transform this memory into motivation and take the advantage from the first meeting.
On the Syrian side, the intention is clear: to confirm the performance of 2021 and take advantage of an incomplete Tunisia to strike from the start.
Group A promises to be particularly competitive. In addition to Tunisia-Syria, Qatar â host country â faces Palestine at the Al Bayt stadium at 5:30 p.m.
Program of the day â Group A
- Tunisia â Syria (2 p.m., Ahmed Ben Ali stadium)
- Qatar â Palestine (5:30 p.m., Al Bayt stadium)
Program of 1er Arab Cup round
1st day
Monday December 1st
- Tunisia 2:00 p.m. Syria
- Qatar 5:30 p.m. Palestine
2nd day
Thursday December 4
- Tunisia 3:30 p.m. Palestine
- Qatar 6:00 p.m. Syria
3rd day
Sunday December 7
- Tunisia 6:00 p.m. Qatar
- Palestine 6:00 p.m. Syria
1st day
Tuesday December 2
- Morocco 1:00 p.m. Comoros
- Saudi Arabia 6:00 p.m. Oman
2nd day
Friday December 5
- Morocco 3:30 p.m. Oman
- Saudi Arabia 7:30 p.m. Comoros
3rd day
Monday December 8
- Saudi Arabia 6:00 p.m. Morocco
- Oman 6:00 p.m. Comoros
1st day
Tuesday December 2
Wednesday December 3
- Jordan 6:00 p.m. United Arab Emirates
2nd day
Saturday December 6
- Jordan 12:00 Kuwait
- Egypt 7:30 p.m. United Arab Emirates
3rd day
Tuesday December 9
- Egypt 3:30 p.m. Jordan
- United Arab Emirates 3:30 p.m. Kuwait
1st day
Wednesday December 3:
- Algeria 1:00 p.m. Sudan
- Iraq 3:30 p.m. Bahrain
2nd day
Saturday December 6
- Algeria 2:30 p.m. Bahrain
- Iraq 5:00 p.m. Sudan
3rd day
Tuesday December 9
- Algeria 6:00 p.m. Iraq
- Sudan 6:00 p.m. Bahrain
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