Doha, Qatar – Palestine began their final group match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with their hopes of qualifying for the following spherical hanging by a thread, however ended it with an emphatic 3-0 win over Hong Kong and by sealing a last-16 spot.
The compact Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium was a Palestinian den on Tuesday night time because the Fedayeen roared into the knockout stage of the event.
When the final two video games of group C obtained underneath method at 6pm, Palestine had been trailing Iran, who had sealed their spot as group leaders, and second-placed United Arab Emirates (UAE) on factors and aim distinction.
Palestine’s supporters had been hopeful however not fully assured of securing a outcome that may convey them in rivalry for a last-16 spot. At full-time, they had been in a state of disbelief at how their group turned their fortunes round.
Some, like Linah al-Fatah, had religion of their group.
“It says quite a bit about our dedication, self-belief and religion in God [as Palestinian people] that we have now bounced again within the event on this method,” she informed Al Jazeera after the match.
In keeping with Palestine’s captain Musab Al-Battat, it was a efficiency that confirmed the world that his group is among the many finest within the continent.
“We needed to ship a message to the world that we have now a proper to take part in each main soccer event, and never only for the sake of participation, however to point out our expertise,” Al-Battats help in his passionate post-match information convention.
“We need to be right here.”
PALESTINE 🇵🇸 is within the #AsianCup2023 Spherical of 16
Their first ever win within the AFC Asian Cup secures them a spot within the subsequent spherical #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/Thn5ioVGPN
— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 23, 2024
The captain mentioned his group got here into the event with a “clear goal” of placing a smile on the faces of their supporters.
The supporters, in flip, helped the gamers decide themselves up after a crushing defeat of their opening match in opposition to Iran 9 days in the past.
Their second match, in opposition to the UAE, noticed an improved efficiency that was vociferously backed by a partisan crowd.
Final week’s 1-1 draw in opposition to their regional rivals was the stepping stone of their progress and the win in opposition to Hong Kong sealed their status as a group that can not be brushed apart.
For his or her half, Hong Kong started the match brightly as their group of 500 travelling supporters made their presence felt from the one stand that they occupied.
Wearing purple and carrying their banners from all the best way again house, the followers arrived and settled in lengthy earlier than kickoff and earlier than the native Palestinian supporters took their seats.
Nevertheless, as soon as the match kicked off it was clear that their group was underneath strain.
FT | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, China 0️⃣-3️⃣ Palestine 🇵🇸
Palestine produce a outstanding efficiency and e book their place within the Spherical of 16!#AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsia | #HKGvPLE pic.twitter.com/2NVO5B4Vjj
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) January 23, 2024
Palestine relentlessly attacked the Hong Kong aim with a powerful ahead line, and reaped the reward with three objectives.
Each Palestinian assault was backed with a crescendo of noise.
Totally different teams of Palestinian followers took turns in chanting pro-Palestine slogans and calling for freedom.
Their captain, Al-Battat, acknowledged the assist after the match.
“The 1000’s of followers in Qatar and the tens of millions of displaced Palestinians around the globe are our primary motivation,” he mentioned with a steely look.
His group are practically sure to face hosts, holders and favourites Qatar of their round-of-16 tie.
The prospect could also be daunting but when there’s one factor Palestine have proven within the 12 days of this event and the 109 days of the struggle in Gaza, they won’t quit and not using a combat.
“We’ve confronted each problem with dedication and we aren’t going to cease now.”
For his or her Gaza-born defender Mahmoud Saleh, the full-time whistle introduced a gush of feelings.
The quantity 5 fell to the bottom and buried his face within the grass as he cried uncontrollably. When he was lastly pulled up on his toes by his teammates, Saleh pulled his shirt over his face as he sobbed.
Saleh is likely one of the few gamers from Gaza who’re half of the present squad, and has spoken of the difficulties of taking part in and coaching whereas not with the ability to hear about his household’s security amid the struggle.
The win offers Saleh, Al-Battat and their teammates one other likelihood of guaranteeing the Palestinian anthem is performed within the stadium, the Palestinian flag is waved by 1000’s and the Palestinian spirit is displayed for the world to see.
