Sudan defeated Lebanon 2–1 on Wednesday, 27 November 2025, at Thani Bin Jassim Stadium in Doha, securing qualification for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Sudan showed remarkable effort and defensive resilience, ultimately emerging victorious in a thrilling match.
Sudan’s John Robia was sent off for a second bookable offence after just 24 minutes, putting his side at an early disadvantage. Six minutes later, Khalil Khamis put Lebanon ahead following a failed clearance inside the box. Despite the setback, Sudan reorganised well and began to create promising chances. Their persistence paid off when Mohamad Haider scored an own goal two minutes before halftime, bringing Sudan level.
In the second half, Lebanon pressed aggressively, taking advantage of their extra man, but were unable to capitalise. Sudan, disciplined and compact at the back, held firm. The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Yasser Jolak found the net to give Sudan a 2–1 lead. From there, Sudan defended in numbers until the final whistle to secure a hard-fought victory.
With this win, Sudan advances to Group D alongside defending champions Algeria, Iraq, and Bahrain. The tournament will also serve as key preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco.
South Sudan falls out
South Sudan falls out of FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™ group stage after losing to Syria 2–0 at Grand Hamad Stadium on Tuesday 25 November 2025.
Mohammad Al Hallak and Mahmoud Al Mawas scored in the 52nd and 59th minutes, sending Syria into Group A alongside Qatar, Tunisia, and Palestine.
The match opened cautiously, with limited chances. South Sudan threatened through Peter Chan and Mangar Kier, while Syria struggled defensively and found difficulties breaking into the final third, relying mostly on long-range efforts before heading to halftime at 0–0.
After the qualifying round, the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™, the 11th edition of the Arab Cup will officially take place in Doha, Qatar from 1 to 18 December 2025.
