Tournament hosts Qatar kept alive their FIFA Arab Cup 2025 hopes, avoiding a shock early elimination, following a 1-1 draw with Syria in Group A at the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan.

Having lost their opening match to Palestine, the AFC Asian Cup holders need to avoid defeat on Thursday to maintain their chances of reaching the knockout stages.

Despite dominating proceedings, with 18 attempts on goal while Syria only managed two efforts on target, Qatar’s nerves were heightened as they had to wait until the 77th minute to find the breakthrough.

Ahmed Alaaeldin converted Edmilson Junior’s assist and appeared to hand his side the win until Omar Kharbin’s 90th-minute strike denied the hosts.

Group leaders Palestine also came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Tunisia

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