Palestine secured their spot in the AFC Asian Cup knockout stages for the first time ever after defeating Hong Kong 3-0 at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium on Tuesday. Oday Dabbagh shone with a brace while Zeid Qunbar also scored, marking Palestine’s first-ever victory in Asian Cup history.
In the match, Palestine displayed early dominance, with Dabbagh almost breaking through in the fourth minute. Although Hong Kong’s Yue Tze Nam had a shot blocked, Palestine took the lead in the 12th minute as Al Battat’s precise cross allowed Dabbagh to head the ball into the net.
Despite wasted opportunities by Tamer Seyam and Dabbagh, Hong Kong couldn’t capitalize. Palestine’s high press paid off with a second goal in the 48th minute, courtesy of Qunbar’s fine header from Al Battat’s cross.
Even as Hong Kong pressed forward, Palestine extended their lead when Dabbagh tapped in a rebound from Seyam’s effort. A late VAR-awarded penalty for Hong Kong was squandered by Everton, hitting the crossbar. This historic win marked Palestine’s first appearance in the knockout stage after three attempts.
Palestine are advancing out of their group as one of the four best third placers, going into the knockouts alongside Group C winners Iran and runners-up the United Arab Emirates, with the former beating the latter 2-1 in Tuesday’s other match.