Palestine edge 4-3 win over Libya to qualify for Arab Cup
Palestine beat Libya 4-3 on penalties during their match on November 25th, securing their place in the Arab Cup which starts in December, The New Arab plus agencies reported.
The two teams competed in Qatar’s capital, Doha, where the tense match saw both teams create chances that failed to be converted, seeing both teams at a standstill after 90 minutes on a 0-0 draw.
A close penalty shootout saw Palestine barely edging out 4-3. Palestine are now set to play off against Qatar, Tunisia and Syria in Group A of the competition.
Palestine’s victory comes in light of the recent humanitarian emergency in Gaza, where thousands have been killed while living under poor conditions. Despite a fragile ceasefire being in place, the humanitarian conditions have not improved with reports of water contamination, blocked aid crossings and Israeli drone strikes.
The coach of the Palestinian national team, Ihab Abu Jazar, spoke after the match: “This was the toughest playoff match. Libya are strong. Our circumstances and absences made it harder, but we are proud. Football is one of the few things that can bring happiness to Palestinians.”
He added that Palestine are different from other teams, as they play to send a message to their people through football and “to develop Palestinian football” in spite of the circumstances faced by the Palestinian people. The team are currently moving towards greater international prominence, with a secured spot in the 2027 Asian Cup and with the team also coming close to reaching Asia’s World Cup playoff.
The captain, Musab Al-Battat described qualifying for the Arab Cup as “a source of pride,” noting that making the children of Palestine smile is a huge achievement for every player.
The result marks more than just a victory in football for the team, but rather a message of hope for Palestinians in trying times. As said by Jazar, “we play for more than trophies – we play to send a message and bring joy to our people.”
The New Arab plus agencies, Maghrebi.org
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