- Musab Al-Battat declared that his side was fulfilling a promise made to the Palestinian people.
- Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation in Gaza, Palestine emerged victorious.
- Vas Nunez, Hong Kong‘s captain and center-back, had an arm injury that required Li Ngai-hoi to step in for him.
After Palestine made it to the Asian Cup knockout stages for the first time, its captain, Musab Al-Battat, declared that his side was fulfilling a promise made to the Palestinian people.
Their first-ever victory in the competition, 3-0 versus Hong Kong, was sufficient to guarantee them a place in the round of 16 as one of the top four third-place teams. After Oday Dabbagh scored twice, the Palestine team and staff threw flags and hugged each other as they celebrated on the field.
Asian Cup victory
Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation in Gaza, where players and staff have lost loved ones, Palestine emerged victorious. Thanking all of their supporters, Captain Al-Battat added that they were able to make people smile, including those who did not follow them.
Hong Kong (12 games) and Palestine (8 games) had played the most Asian Cup matches without a victory each, but a win would give both teams a shot at qualifying for the round of 16. Palestine took the lead in the 12th minute when Dabbagh headed a cross into the box that was sent by Battat after the right-back made an overlapping run.
Vas Nunez, Hong Kong’s captain and center-back, had an arm injury that required Li Ngai-hoi to step in for him. But as the half progressed, the 150th-ranked squad in the world began to create opportunities, with Everton Camargo and Philip Chan soaring high.
Six,568 fans in the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium cheered Palestine on nonstop during the match, while a loud and packed group of red-clad Hong Kong supporters gave the minnows from southern China constant support.
