First-ever win: Palestine clinches Asian Cup knockout berth

• Palestine wins first-ever Asian Cup match, 3-0 vs. Hong Kong
• Oday Dabbagh scores 2 goals, clinching knockout round spot
• Victory comes after moment of silence disrupted by “Free Palestine” chants

Palestine made history on Tuesday by securing their first-ever victory in the Asian Cup competition, defeating Hong Kong 3-0 and clinching a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time. Although narrowly missing out on the second spot in Group C, Palestine advanced as one of the four best third-placed teams. Oday Dabbagh emerged as the hero with his two-goal contribution to the historic win.

The momentous victory in Doha was set against the backdrop of Israel’s attacks in Gaza. Palestinian players and staff, who have experienced personal losses in the ongoing conflict, expressed their desire before the tournament to provide solace to those facing hardships back home.

A pre-match moment of silence was disrupted by chants of “Free Palestine”. Captain Musab Al-Battat thanked the fans who came to support Palestine and the national team of Palestine, saying, “We will do our best to put a smile for the people.”

Neither Hong Kong (12 games) nor Palestine (eight) had secured a win in more Asian Cup matches than any other team. However, Palestine’s victory in this match opened up an opportunity for them to advance to the Round of 16.

In the 12th minute, Palestine registered their first goal, initiating a breakthrough in their winless streak. Battat, advancing from right-back, delivered a cross into the box, allowing Dabbagh to head the ball into the net.

PALESTINE 🇵🇸 is in the #AsianCup2023 Round of 16

Their first ever win in the AFC Asian Cup secures them a spot in the next round #HayyaAsia pic.twitter.com/Thn5ioVGPN

— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 23, 2024

Hong Kong faced a setback when centre-back and match-day captain Vas Nunez suffered an arm injury, leading to his replacement by Li Ngai-hoi.

As the first half progressed, Hong Kong created chances, with Philip Chan and Everton Camargo missing opportunities.

During the match, the majority of the 6,568 people present at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium supported Palestine, which is consistent with the team’s backing in most venues during their campaign. However, a group of vocal Hong Kong fans wearing red provided continuous encouragement for the 150th-ranked side from southern China.

In the second half, Palestine extended their lead, with Battat once again delivering from the right wing, setting up Zeid Qunbar to score.

In the third goal for Palestine, during the hour mark, Tamer Seyam’s long-range attempt hit the bar, and Dabbagh capitalized on the rebound to secure his second goal of the match.

In the eighth minute of added time, Palestine faced a tense moment when referee Shaun Evans awarded Hong Kong a penalty following a VAR review for a handball by Battat.

However, Hong Kong’s Everton missed the penalty kick as the ball thudded against the bar, and Hong Kong went home empty-handed.