The Palestine national football team started their last group match of the AFC Asian Cup 2023 with their hopes of qualifying for the next round hanging by a thread, but ended it with them sealing a last-16 spot after an emphatic 3-0 victory over Hong Kong.
“Thank you to the fans who are coming to support Palestine and the national team of Palestine. Thank you from our heart,” captain Musab Al-Battat said after the game.
“We will do our best to put a smile for the people.”
The win was Palestine’s first ever at the AFC Asian Cup, and they now look likely to face hosts, holders and favourites Qatar in their round-of-16 tie.
