Tunisia Edge Egypt to Reach Arab Cup Final

Tunisia snatched victory with virtually the last kick of the game as an own goal handed them a 1-0 win over Egypt in their Arab Cup semi-final clash in Doha yesterday.

It was Egypt’s first defeat in 19 games since their elimination from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Egypt Captain, Amr El Sulaya, flicked a last-gasp free kick into his own net four minutes into stoppage time to break the deadlock between the north African rivals at the newly built Stadium 974 on the outskirts of the Qatari capital.

A most enterprising Tunisia deserved the victory and will now meet Algeria or hosts Qatar in Saturday final. The second semi-final was played late yesterday.

The tournament, organised by Fifa, is a test event for next year’s World Cup, replacing the Confederation Cup.

Tunisia might have snatched victory minutes before their goal when striker Seifeddine Jaziri headed over from a corner as he evaded the usually tight Egypt defence but could not get his effort on target.

Egypt, who appointed Carlos Queiroz as coach in September, had chances to score in the first half when defender Ahmed Hegazi had a shot saved by Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassen and Marwan Hamdi was denied by the keeper diving at his feet to palm away the ball.