Tunisia missed its entry into the 2025 Arab Cup by losing to Syria (0-1) at the Ahmed Ben Ali stadium in Doha. Dominant but ineffective, the Carthage Eagles conceded a frustrating defeat on an unstoppable free kick from Omar Khribin. A setback which already puts pressure on the rest of their journey in Group A.
Tunisia started the 2025 Arab Cup with a bitter defeat against Syria (0-1) at the Ahmed Ben Ali stadium in Doha. Despite constant domination, the Tunisians lacked efficiency, while Syria converted their only clear opportunity of the match. Omar Khribin’s decisive free kick at the start of the second half sealed a meeting with a cruel scenario for the Carthage Eagles.
A free kick that changes everything
The Tunisian selection starts strong and gets its first opportunities in the first quarter of an hour. Ismael Gharbi misses the target (12th), immediately imitated by Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (13th). Opposite, Dahmene reassures his defense by capturing a Syrian free kick (28th).
Just before the break, Tunisia increased the pressure: Ben Romdhane forced the Syrian goalkeeper to intervene (40th), then Ali Maaloul saw his free kick go very close (43rd).
The turning point comes at the start of the second half. In the 49th minute, Omar Khribin curled in a direct free kick that completely surprised Dahmene, giving Syria the lead against the run of play.
The Tunisian reaction is immediate: Gharbi misses the top corner on a volley (51st). Firas Chawat stumbled twice against the Syrian goalkeeper (56th, 69th), while Seifeddine Jaziri’s shot ended up in the side net (66th).
In added time, Ismael Gharbi’s last attempt (90+4th) was again repelled by an imperial Syrian goalkeeper, sealing the Tunisian defeat with the only opposing shot on target.
A cruel scenario for the Eagles
On the Tunisian side, the frustration is total: domination, opportunities, but zero realism. Sami Trabelsi’s technical staff will have to quickly adjust offensive efficiency to avoid a premature exit from the tournament.
On the Syrian side, the victory is hailed as a tactical feat: defensive rigor, composure and maximum success.
This meeting marks the opening of the Tunisian journey in Group A. In the same group, Qatar faces Palestine at the end of the day, a crucial duel to outline the first trends of a very tight group. For Tunisia, the next match is already becoming decisive in order to avoid early elimination.
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