Last-gasp own goal sends Tunisia into Arab Cup final

Doha, December 16 (BNA) The Tunisian team snatched victory with a final penalty kick in the match to give it an own goal to beat Egypt 1-0 in the Arab Cup semi-final in Doha today, Wednesday.

Egypt captain Amr Al-Sulayya hit a last-gasp free kick into his own net four minutes into stoppage time to break the deadlock between the two North African rivals at the newly built 974 Stadium on the outskirts of the Qatari capital, Reuters reported.

It was just as adventurous as Tunisia deserved and will now meet hosts Algeria or Qatar in Saturday’s final. In the second semi-final, Algeria defeated hosts Qatar 2-1.

The tournament organized by FIFA is a test event for next year’s World Cup to replace the Federation Cup

Tunisia may have snatched victory minutes before their goal when striker Seif El-Din Jaziri headed in a corner kick as he evaded Egypt’s usually strong defense but was unable to fire it on target.

Egypt, which appointed Carlos Queiroz as coach in September, had chances to score in the first half when defender Ahmed Hegazy hit a shot that was blocked by Tunisian goalkeeper Moez Hassan, while Marwan Hamdi prevented the goalkeeper from diving at his feet to relieve the ball away.

This is Egypt’s first defeat in 19 matches since its exit from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.