DOHA: In a crucial Asian Cup clash, Palestine’s national football team is gearing up for what they hope will be a historic victory against Hong Kong on Tuesday. A win in this match, held in Qatar, could mark Palestine’s first-ever triumph in the tournament and potentially propel them into the next round.
Neither Hong Kong nor Palestine has secured a victory in Asian Cup history, with Hong Kong enduring 12 winless matches and Palestine, eight. However, the prospect of breaking this streak has intensified for both sides as they face each other for a chance to advance to the last 16.
Amidst the competitive atmosphere, the backdrop of the ongoing Israeli bombardment in the Palestinian territory of Gaza adds significance to the match for the Palestinian players. Forward Tamer Seyam emphasized the team’s determination to achieve a historic milestone, acknowledging the challenges posed by Hong Kong.
“Our match against Hong Kong won’t be easy, but we are well-prepared and we want to make a historic achievement for Palestine,” Seyam remarked, emphasizing the potential resonance of a victory for the people back home. Seyam had previously scored in Palestine’s 4-1 opening loss to Iran.
Palestine Confident of Victory
Expressing optimism, Coach Makram Daboub voiced confidence in his team’s ability to secure a victory, drawing inspiration from their performance against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where they earned a point in a 1-1 draw.
“I trust the players; if we play with the same level as against UAE, we will be able to win,” Daboub said, adding that the team aimed to bring joy to the Palestinian people who “deserve to be happy.”
While Hong Kong has yet to register a point in the tournament, Coach Jorn Andersen conveyed his team’s focus on making history for their nation. Andersen noted that his players were motivated to become one of the 16 best teams in Asia and expressed confidence that they would give their all for Hong Kong.
“I am not thinking about what Palestine is thinking. If we have the possibility tomorrow to go to the final round, be one of the 16 best teams in Asia, all Hong Kong will be proud of us, and all the players know that. They will give everything for Hong Kong,” Andersen stated.
