Qatar and Egypt claim opening-game wins in Arab Soccer Cup play

In a televised match, Syria's soccer team lost its opener yesterday night to Egypt 2-1, in the Arab Cup championship.

Syria's group includes Egypt, and Kuwait. The top teams in the group will advance to the second round. Egyptian mid-fielder Abdul Hameed opened the scoring in the 36th minute of the first half with a fierce shot just out the penalty area. Syria's team mounted attack after attack but all in vain.

One minute before the interval, al-Zamalek's striker, Abdul Latif Dumani, notched a fantastic goal with a back header. In the second half, Syria's team dominated the field and had several occasions to score but Biazid, Mihmalji and Jablawi all missed out.

Striker Mihmalji scored the solo for his team in the 20th minute of the restart. Syria plays Kuwait on Saturday.

Morocco's soccer team is also taking part in the Arab Cup tournament currently being held in Doha with the participation of twelve Arab teams.

Morocco is in a group that also includes the United Arab Emirates and Sudan. The 12 Arab teams are pooled in four groups.

Qatar, the host country, won by 2-1 its opening match against Libya in addition to the Egyptian win over Syria.

The Moroccans play this Wednesday their first match against the United Arab Emirates.

The twelve Arab national teams participating are: Qatar, Morocco, Libya, Jordan, Kuwait, Egypt, Syria, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Lebanon.