Doha, Qatar – Palestine began their final group match of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with their hopes of qualifying for the next round hanging by a thread, but ended it with an emphatic 3-0 victory against Hong Kong and sealing a place in the knockout stages.
The small Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium was transformed into a Palestinian den on Tuesday evening as the Fedayeen raced into the knockout stage of the tournament.
When the final two Group C matches kicked off at 6 p.m., Palestine were behind Iran, who had secured their place as group leaders, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), second on points and goal difference. goals.
Palestine supporters were hopeful but not entirely sure of a result that would put them in contention for the knockout stages. At full time, they were in disbelief at how their team had managed to turn things around.
Some, like Linah al-Fatah, had confidence in their team.
“The fact that we bounced back like this in the tournament says a lot about our determination, our self-confidence and our faith in God (as Palestinian people),” she told Tel Aviv Tribune after the match .
According to Palestinian captain Musab Al-Battat, it was a performance that showed the world that his team is among the best on the continent.
“We wanted to send a message to the world that we have the right to participate in every major football tournament, and not just for the sake of participating, but to show our skills,” Al-Battats said in his passionate news story. post-match. conference.
“We deserve to be here.”
PALESTINE 🇵🇸 is in the #AsianCup2023 Round of 16
Their first ever AFC Asian Cup victory secures them a place in the next round. #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/Thn5ioVGPN
– AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 23, 2024
The captain said his team entered the tournament with a “clear objective”: to make their supporters smile.
The fans, in turn, helped the players bounce back from a crushing defeat in their opening match against Iran nine days ago.
Their second match, against the United Arab Emirates, saw an improved performance which was vehemently supported by a partisan crowd.
Last week’s 1-1 draw against their regional rivals was a springboard in their progress and victory against Hong Kong sealed their reputation as a must-win team.
For their part, Hong Kong started the match in style as their group of 500 traveling supporters made their presence felt from the single stand they occupied.
Dressed in red and waving their banners all the way home, fans arrived and were seated well before kick-off and before the home Palestinian supporters took their seats.
However, once the match started, it was clear that their team was under pressure.
IP | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, China 0️⃣-3️⃣ Palestine 🇵🇸
Palestine achieves a remarkable performance and reserves its place in the round of 16!#AsianCup2023 | #HayyaAsia | #HKGvPLE pic.twitter.com/2NVO5B4Vjj
– #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) January 23, 2024
Palestine relentlessly attacked the Hong Kong goal with a strong forward line and reaped the reward with three goals.
Each Palestinian attack was supported by a crescendo of noise.
Different groups of Palestinian supporters took turns chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and calling for freedom.
Their captain, Al-Battat, acknowledged his support after the match.
“The thousands of fans in Qatar and the millions of displaced Palestinians around the world are our number one motivation,” he said with a steely look.
His team is almost certain to face hosts, defending champions and favorites Qatar in the round of 16.
The prospect may be daunting, but if there is one thing Palestine has demonstrated over the course of 12 days of this tournament and 109 days of the war in Gaza, it is that it will not give up without a fight.
“We have faced all challenges with determination and we are not going to stop now.”
For their Gaza-born defender Mohammed Saleh, the full-time whistle brought an explosion of emotion.
Number Five fell to the ground and buried his face in the grass as he cried uncontrollably. When he was finally relieved by his teammates, Saleh pulled his shirt over his face while sobbing.
Saleh is one of the few players from Gaza on the current squad and has spoken about the difficulties of playing and training without being able to hear about his family’s safety amid the war.
This victory gives Saleh, Al-Battat and their teammates another chance to ensure that the Palestinian anthem is played in the stadium, the Palestinian flag is waved by thousands and the Palestinian spirit is displayed at home. view of the whole world.