Palestine Secures 1–0 Win vs Qatar in FIFA Arab Cup 2025 Opener
- Publish date: since 2 hour Reading time: 1 min read
Palestine edges Qatar 1–0 after a last-minute own goal at Al Bayt Stadium.
- Related articles
- Palestinian Journalist Motaz Azaiza Arrived in Qatar
- Qatar Post Releases Commemorative Stamps for FIFA Arab Cup 2025
- Ticket Sales Temporarily Paused for FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 opened with a shocker as Palestine grabbed a 1–0 win over host nation Qatar — and yes, it all unfolded in the final seconds. The match took place on 1 December at Al Bayt Stadium, kicking off the 11th edition of the tournament with unexpected drama.
Qatar Controlled the Game, But Not the Score
Qatar dominated early on. Akram Afif was everywhere, creating chance after chance. Ahmed Alaa forced a save in the fifth minute. Ahmed Fathi tried his luck a bit too high two minutes later. And in the 11th minute, Mohammed Muntari went wide after another Afif setup.
Things took a turn when midfielder Assim Madibo picked up an injury in the 33rd minute, forcing an early substitution.
Palestine’s Patience Paid Off
Palestine stayed calm, slowly settled into the game, and kept pushing until the very end. In the 95th minute, Ahmad Al Qaq sent in a cross that Qatar defender Sultan Al Brake accidentally redirected into his own net — sealing the match and breaking Qatari hearts.
Group Standings After Day One
The win gives Palestine its first three points, joining Syria at the top after Syria’s earlier 1–0 victory over Tunisia. Qatar and Tunisia remain at the bottom with no points.