Doha, Qatar – In a stunning upset at the FIFA Arab Cup, Palestine defeated two-time champions Qatar 1-0 in Group A’s opening match. A late own goal by Qatar’s Sultan Al Brake in the fifth minute of stoppage time secured a memorable victory for Palestine at the Al Bayt Stadium on Tuesday, marking a significant result in the early stages of the tournament. The result throws Group A wide open and raises questions about Qatar’s form ahead of the competition.
The match, played before a crowd of 61,475 predominantly Qatari supporters, saw the home side dominate possession but ultimately fail to convert their opportunities. Palestine, meanwhile, demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, capitalizing on a late surge and a crucial defensive error. This unexpected outcome sets the stage for a competitive group stage in the Arab Cup.
Palestine Stuns Qatar with Last-Gasp Own Goal
Qatar began the match with attacking intent, creating early chances through Ahmed Fathy and Mohammad Al Mannai, but were unable to find the back of the net. Captain Akram Afif proved a constant threat, attempting to unlock the Palestinian defense, but met with staunch resistance. However, the Qatari attack lacked the finishing touch needed to break the deadlock.
The first half saw a disruption in rhythm due to an injury to Assim Madibo, forcing a substitution. Despite further attempts from Lucas Mendes, the score remained 0-0 at halftime. Qatar coach Julen Lopetegui responded at the break, bringing on Edmilson Junior to inject more energy into the attack.
Second Half Drama and Missed Opportunities
Edmilson Junior immediately made an impact, testing the Palestinian goalkeeper Rami Hamada. Lopetegui further adjusted his team with a double substitution around the 60th minute, introducing Mohammed Muntari and Khaled Ali Binsabaa. Despite these changes, Qatar continued to struggle to find a breakthrough.
A controversial VAR review denied Qatar a penalty after a challenge on Afif. Muntari came close to scoring with a header, but Hamada produced a brilliant save. Palestine, meanwhile, began to pose a greater threat on the counterattack, forcing Qatar to remain vigilant. The game remained tightly contested, with both sides battling for control.
As the match entered its final stages, Palestine intensified their pressure. Substitute Oday Dabbagh created a dangerous moment, and Alqaq’s volley narrowly missed the target. The decisive moment arrived in the fifth minute of added time when a cross from Ahmad Alqaq was inadvertently deflected into his own net by Sultan Al Brake, handing Palestine a dramatic victory. This Qatar vs Palestine match will be remembered for its unexpected conclusion.
Implications for Group A and the Tournament
The result leaves Palestine level on points with Syria, who also secured a 1-0 win against Tunisia earlier in the day. Qatar will need to regroup quickly as they face Syria on Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium. The defeat is a setback for the hosts and raises concerns about their ability to contend for the title. The FIFA Arab Cup is known for its competitive nature, and this result underscores that point.
Meanwhile, Palestine will face Tunisia at Lusail Stadium on Thursday, buoyed by their stunning victory. Their resilient performance and tactical approach will undoubtedly give them confidence as they continue their campaign. The early stages of the tournament have already produced several surprises, suggesting a highly unpredictable competition. The focus now shifts to how Qatar responds to this defeat and whether Palestine can maintain their momentum. Further matches will determine the final standings in Group A and the teams that advance to the knockout stages.
The next few days will be crucial for both Qatar and Palestine as they aim to secure their places in the next round. The performance of both teams will be closely watched as the tournament progresses, with fans eager to see how they adapt and respond to the challenges ahead. The outcome of their upcoming matches will significantly impact their chances of success in the football tournament.
