The Palestine national team has secured a place in the Round of 16 of the Asian Cup for the first time in its history, after defeating Hong Kong 3-0 today, Tuesday, in the final round of the group stage. Palestine's goals were scored by Odai Al-Dabbagh, who netted two goals in the 12th and 60th minutes, and Zaid Qanbar, who scored in the 48th minute.
With this victory, the standings in Group C are as follows: Iran at the top with 9 points, the UAE in second place with 4 points (goal difference), and Palestine in third place also with 4 points. Hong Kong is at the bottom with no points.
Palestine's qualification could have been jeopardized by a penalty awarded to Hong Kong in the 90+8 minute, but the crossbar prevented the ball from entering the Palestinian net. It’s worth noting that Iran defeated the UAE (2-1), with goals from Mehdi Taremi in the 26th and 65th minutes, while Yahya Al-Ghasani scored the UAE's only goal.
