Palestine, the Lions of Canaan, staged a spectacular fight-back against Tunisia at the Lusail Stadium in Doha, last night, to force a 2-2 draw. The result putting the gritty Palestinians at the top of Group A and favourites to qualify for the knockout stage.
Palestine has displayed unprecedented determination in the two matches it has played in the Arab Cup so far. The team is out to prove to the world that even in extreme adversity, it can not only survive, but bravely compete.
Tunisia, beaten by Syria in their first match were looking for a win, and drew first blood in the 16th minute, when their 33 year old forward Amor Layouni scored. The lead was doubled in the second half by way of a fine strike by Firas Chaouat in the 51st minute. Down 0-2, it was going to be an uphill task for Palestine, but the Lions were up to the challenge.
A rasping volley by Hamed Hamdan in the 61st minute helped Palestine reduce the lead by half. The Palestinians were not going away without a fight as a tight slugfest ensued between the teams.
Palestine, however, ptevailed and pushed the match to an even keel in the 85th minute, with forward Zaid Qunbar netting the equaliser. All hell broke loose in the Palestine camp as Qunbar scored. The Tunisians looked on in utter disbelief. They had squandered a two goal advantage.
The match eventually ended in a 2-2 draw and effectively signalled another morale boosting performance from Palestine. What a show the Lions of Canoon have put up in the tournament so far. They have made the world sit up and take note. Any form of superlative will lose its sheen in the glow of Palestine’s achievement.
Palestine, in my reading, look set to win the Group and quality for the next stage. The others beware.
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