Mashable: Palestine boosts the 2023 Asian Cup last 16 hopes

Palestine is keeping their last 16 hopes alive with a stunning performance against the UAE in Qatar.

On Thursday, January 18, 2024, Palestine gave themselves a chance to stay at the ongoing 2024 AFC Asian Cup as the teams have started fighting for a spot in the last 16.

The Al Janoub Stadium in Qatar heard cheers of joy as Palestine put their best foot forward on the soccer field and drew 1-1 against 10-man UAE on Thursday.

The United Arab Emirates opened the scoring midway through the first half of the match with Sultan Adil’s stunning header. On the other hand, Palestine was awarded a penalty, and Khalifa Al-Hammadi, UAE’s defender was shown a red card and sent off in the 37th minute.

Palestine equalized the score in the second half when UAE defender Bader Nasser headed the ball into his own goal.

As Palestine played against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, a moment’s silence was held before their game with UAE began. Football fans from the stands poured immense love and support for the war-s

Chants of “free Palestine” were reportedly heard again from the crowd during the soccer team’s game last night. Similar pro-Palestine chants were made when Palestine played against Iran on Sunday.

On Thursday Australia booked its spot in the next round with a 1-0 win against Syria. Uzbekistan, on the other hand, is in a strong position after defeating India 3-0.

Meanwhile, the UAE is still at the top of Group C with four points while Palestine is third with one point. Palestine will play their next match against Hong Kong on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.