Doha, December 01 (QNA) - The Qatari national football team lost to their Palestinian counterparts 1-0 in the opening match of the 11th edition of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 on Monday at Al Bayt Stadium.

The decisive moment came in stoppage time, when Qatari defender Sultan Al Brake inadvertently turned in an own goal in the 95th minute.

The victory gave Palestine three points, putting it level at the top of the group with Syria, which earlier defeated Tunisia 1-0. Qatar and Tunisia were left third and fourth without points.

Qatar dominated possession and pressed forward from the start, with star forward Akram Afif creating several chances. Ahmed Alaa forced an early save in the fifth minute, while Ahmed Fathi's shot sailed over the bar two minutes later. Mohammed Muntari also came close in the 11th minute, firing just wide after another Afif pass.

Qatar suffered a setback when midfielder Assim Madibo left injured in the 33rd minute, replaced by Issa Laye.

Palestine grew into the game and capitalized in stoppage time, when Ahmad Al Qaq's cross was deflected into the net by Sultan Al Brake, sealing a dramatic win and a perfect start to the tournament. (QNA)