Khrbin’s Free-Kick Sparks Syria to Arab Cup Opener Win Over Tunisia
1 December 2025
Match Overview
Syria clinched a 1-0 victory over Tunisia in the opening match of the 2025 Arab Cup, staged at the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium.
Key moments
Omar Khrbin struck the decisive goal in the 48th minute from a direct free-kick executed with precision and venom.
Tunisia had dominated the first half, crafting several half chances, while Syria absorbed pressure and looked for quick counters as they defended stubbornly.
The best Tunisian moment came in the 19th minute when Omar Al-Ayouni’s header flashed narrowly wide.
A flurry of Tunisian opportunities followed in the 24th minute, including a headed effort from Mohamed Ben Ramadan that the Tunisian goalkeeper pushed away.
Syria countered with rapid breaks, testing the Tunisian keeper with a powerful shot from Khrbin and exploiting the runs of their full-backs.
In the 41st minute, a Tunisian free-kick from Ali Maaloul struck the wall and sailed narrowly over the crossbar, leaving the teams level at halftime.
In the second half, Khrbin's free-kick gave Syria the lead shortly after the restart.
Tunisia pressed for an equalizer with crosses, yet the Syrian backline and their goalkeeper held firm as the clock ticked.
In the 87th minute, the referee awarded a late free kick for Tunisia, but Syria cleared the danger.
Tunisia dominated possession in the closing minutes but could not alter the result, allowing Syria to take the three points.
The Syrians, led by Spanish coach Jose Lana, had reached the group after beating South Sudan 2-0 in the playoff, joining Tunisia, Qatar and Palestine.
Head-to-head battles show 12 meetings, with five wins apiece and two draws.
The Syrians have shown solid form over the past year, producing positive results in most games outside one defeat.
Punchline: Khrbin’s free-kick was so precise, even the ball sighed with relief as it kissed the net.
Punchline: Tunisia tried every trick except the obvious one—score a goal before the sun goes down on the clock.
