Palestine Miracles in Doha: Unbeaten in Penalties, Beating Libya to Arab Cup
Image Source: Internet
In a nail-biting playoff match in Doha, Palestine edged out Libya 4-3 on penalties, securing their spot in the Arab Cup. The win brings hope and joy to Palestinians in the aftermath of the Gaza war, joining hosts Qatar, Tunisia, and Syria in Group A. The match ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, with both teams creating scoring opportunities in regular and extra time, but ultimately, the game went to penalties. Palestine's head coach, Ihab Abu Jazar, praised his team's resilience, saying, 'This was the toughest playoff match.' Despite the team's circumstances and absences, they held their nerve in the shootout. Abu Jazar emphasized the significance of football in bringing happiness to Palestinians, stating, 'We play for more than trophies – we play to send a message and bring joy to our people.' The team's determination and perseverance paid off, with forward Oday Dabbagh crediting 'God' for their success in the shootout. Captain Musab Al-Battat reflected on the team's progress, saying qualifying for the Arab Cup is 'a source of pride' and that 'just making Palestinian children smile is an achievement for every player.' Palestine's achievement is a testament to the team's growth, having come close to reaching Asia's World Cup playoff and securing a spot at the 2027 Asian Cup. The Arab Cup is set to take place from December 1-18, with Palestine looking forward to their participation.
