Hosts Qatar clashed with Palestine in a Group A contest of the Arab Cup last night. The iconic Al-Bayt Stadium in Al-Khor was packed to the limits in support of their home team and one of the favourites in the tournament.
Palestinians, who have been on an upward curve, were no pushovers. Having come close to qualification for next year’s FIFA World Cup, no wonder Qatar had their hands full. Palestine, one of the neutral favourites in the competition due to the suffering endured by the nation in Gaza, had a point to prove to the world.
The Qatari Team appeared overawed by the situation and were slow starters in the game. The Palestinians, on the other hand, held their own against the favourites and displayed an enticing attacking game.
Qatar failed to create any clear chances in the game and hence suffered right at the death. Palestinians were rewarded for their intent and aggression. In the 95th minute, a header by Mohammed Saleh was inadvertently diverted by Sultan Al-Brake into his own goal.
The Al-Bayt stadium fell into silence as the ball went into the net. It was an own goal. The Palestinians ran amok in sheer delight. Their resilience and bravery had earned them a famous victory and a critical one, too, in terms of their future in the Arab Cup.
The own goal was a brutal blow to Qatar, but they had themselves to blame for a lethargic performance in front of a sell-out crowd.
The Palestinians once again showed the world how determined they are, not only in Gaza but also on the football field.
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