Tunisia and the United Arab Emirates sealed places in the FIFA Arab Cup knockout stage as the Group B competition concluded in Qatar.
The UAE were strong favourites to advance having won their opening two group matches, while Tunisia’s hopes had been dented after a 2-0 defeat to Syria in their second tie.
Tunisia made the perfect start to their match against the UAE at the Al Thumama Stadium, with the team taking a 10th-minute lead.
Captain Youssef Msakni surged into the UAE penalty area after dribbling past several challenges, before being felled by goalkeeper Eisa Khalid.
The loose ball was seized upon by Seifeddine Jazir, with the striker tapping into an empty net.
Tunisia was unable to extend its lead despite several efforts on the UAE goal but was able to seal a narrow 1-0 victory.
The result saw Tunisia leapfrog the UAE to top the Group B standings, with both teams advancing to the knockout stage on six points.
Syria spurned the opportunity to qualify from the group after falling to a surprise defeat to Mauritania at the Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.
Mouhamed Soueid gave Mauritania a second-half lead by heading in a corner in the 50th minute.
The advantage proved short-lived, with Mahmoud Al Baher stabbing home from close range to draw Syria level just two minutes later.
🇩🇿 Algeria ✔️
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 4, 2021
🇪🇬 Egypt ✔️
⚔️ These North African giants will do battle for top spot after each sealing quarter-final places at the #FIFArabCup pic.twitter.com/aTRqIO3HOo
