November 21 – While the world continues to look on at the horrors being committed by Israeli military forces in Palestine, their football team, who were in camp outside the country when the Israelis began their invasion, continue to defy the odds.
Having qualified for the final rounds of AFC World Cup qualifying for the first time, the Palestinians have twice held one of Asia’s giants, South Korea, to a draw.
In Amman last week, for Palestine’s ‘home’ game, Palestine took an early lead on 12’ via Zeid Qunbar before Son Heung-min equalised for the South Koreans to maintain their top position in Group B of the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26.
Palestine, who drew with the Koreans in the opening game of the third phase of qualifying in Seoul in September, remain bottom of the group standings with three points but none of that really matters in comparison to the defiant and life-affirming statement they are making for their country in full view of the football world.
Son, who had a goal chalked off on 79 minutes for offside, commended his opponents both on how they played and in a wider real-world context saying: “Today’s game was not easy. I would like to give a round of applause to the Palestinian team. I think we need to learn from seeing them work so hard even in difficult situations.”
Palestine head coach Makram Daboub praised his team but admitted their chances of a top two finish and automatic qualification for 2026 were now diminishing, but they could still get through into a final round of play-offs.
“It was a difficult game for us. We scored first but we lacked focus and this was why we conceded. We played better in the second half but missed a lot of chances,” said Daboub.
“The result leaves us in a difficult position (for a top two finish) but we will still fight for third or fourth place. However, it will not be easy because most of the players haven’t played club football in a year.”
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