By SCM Staff Writer in Al Rayyan
AL RAYYAN – The glittering, futuristic stage of the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, designed to host the world’s biggest football stars next year, witnessed a major upset today as Syria defied the form book to claim a dramatic 1-0 victory over tournament favourites Tunisia in the FIFA Arab Cup opener.
This magnificent venue—a stunning symbol of Qatar’s World Cup ambition, boasting a shimmering façade that tells the story of the host nation—was the backdrop for a classic David vs. Goliath struggle.
The 40,000-seater colosseum, one of the eight venues primed for the global spectacle, was largely filled with the red and white of the Tunisian faithful, ready to cheer on the runners-up from the last edition.
But the magnificent atmosphere inside the stadium, a roar that will become familiar to millions next winter, was silenced just three minutes after the restart. It was a moment of sheer brilliance that earned the underdogs the three points.
Syrian star Omar Kharbin, the reigning AFC Player of the Year, stepped up for a free-kick on the edge of the box. With the weight of his nation’s hopes on his shoulders, he curled a glorious strike around the Tunisian wall. The ball kissed the inside of the post before nestling in the back of the net, giving goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen no chance.
(Tunisia 0 – 1 Syria)
The goal, scored in the 48th minute, was a moment that transformed the energy of the state-of-the-art stadium. The high-tech cooling systems might have kept the fans comfortable, but the temperature of the match ratcheted up instantly.
Tunisia, expected to cruise, threw everything at their opponents.
Their relentless attacks were met by a heroic display of Syrian defending, coupled with a string of sensational saves from Syrian keeper Shaher Al Shaker. The beautiful surroundings of the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium felt more like a fortress, with Syria refusing to yield.
As the full-time whistle blew, the venue erupted in a mix of stunned silence and ecstatic Syrian cheers.
The $200 million stadium, built with a design inspired by the sand dunes of the desert, had delivered its first massive shock of the tournament, proving that even the biggest stages can’t guarantee a result for the favourites.
For Syria, it’s a dream start and a memorable chapter for their fans inside one of football’s most spectacular new venues.
For Tunisia, a swift reaction is needed if they are to recover from this early stumble on one of the great World Cup pitches.
