Doha, Qatar – Palestine began their final group game of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup with hopes of qualifying for the next round hanging by a thread but finished with a comfortable 3-0 win over Hong Kong to secure a place in the round of 16.

The compact Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium was transformed into a Palestinian cave on Tuesday evening as the Fedayeen advanced to the knockout stages of the tournament.

When the final two games of Group C began at 6 p.m., Palestine trailed Iran, which had secured its place as group leaders, and second-placed United Arab Emirates (UAE) on points and goal difference.

Palestine’s supporters, while hopeful, were not entirely confident of achieving a result that would allow them to progress to the round of 16. As full-time players, they were in complete disbelief at how their team could turn their fortunes around.

Some, like Linah al-Fatah, trusted their team.

“It says a lot about our determination, our confidence and our faith in God [as Palestinian people] that we came back in the tournament this way,” she told Al Jazeera after the game.

According to Palestine captain Musab Al-Battat, it was a performance that showed the world that his team is among the best on the continent.

“We wanted to convey the message to the world that we have the right to take part in any major football tournament, not just for the sake of participating, but to demonstrate our skills,” Al-Battats said in his passionate messages after the match Game conference.

“We deserve to be here.”

PALESTINE 🇵🇸 is located in the #AsianCup2023 Round of 16

Their first ever win in the AFC Asian Cup secures them a place in the next round #AsianLetter pic.twitter.com/Thn5ioVGPN

— AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 (@Qatar2023en) January 23, 2024

The captain said his team went into the tournament with the “clear goal” of putting a smile on the fans’ faces.

The fans, in turn, helped the players bounce back from the crushing defeat in the opening game against Iran nine days ago.

Their second game against the United Arab Emirates saw an improved performance, which was loudly supported by a partisan crowd.

Last week’s 1-1 draw with their regional rivals was the milestone in their progression and the win against Hong Kong reaffirmed their reputation as a team that cannot be cast aside.

Hong Kong, for its part, started the game brilliantly as its group of 500 traveling fans made their presence known from the only stand they occupied.

Dressed in red and carrying their homeland banners, fans arrived and settled in long before kick-off and before the local Palestinian fans took their seats.

However, right from the start of the game it was clear that the team was under pressure.

FT | 🇭🇰 Hong Kong, China 0️⃣-3️⃣ Palestine 🇵🇸

Palestine put in a remarkable performance and secured their place in the round of 16!#AsianCup2023 | #AsianLetter | #HKGvPLE pic.twitter.com/2NVO5B4Vjj

— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) January 23, 2024

Palestine attacked the Hong Kong goal relentlessly with a strong forward line and reaped the reward with three goals.

Each Palestinian attack was accompanied by a crescendo of noise.

Different groups of Palestinian fans took turns chanting pro-Palestinian slogans and calling for freedom.

Their captain Al-Battat thanked everyone for their support after the game.

“The thousands of fans in Qatar and the millions of displaced Palestinians around the world are our greatest motivation,” he said with an iron stare.

His team will almost certainly face hosts, defending champions and favorites Qatar in the round of 16.

The prospect may be daunting, but if there is anything Palestine has shown in the 12 days of this tournament and the 109 days of the war in Gaza, it is that they will not give up without a fight.

“We have overcome every challenge with determination and will not stop now.”

For Gaza-born defender Mahmoud Saleh, the final whistle triggered a flood of emotions.

The number five fell to the ground and buried his face in the grass as he cried uncontrollably. When he was finally pulled to his feet by his teammates, Saleh pulled his shirt over his face as he sobbed.

Saleh is one of the few players from Gaza included in the current squad and has spoken about the difficulties of playing and training without being able to hear about his family’s safety amid the war.

The victory gives Saleh, Al-Battat and their teammates another chance to ensure that the Palestinian anthem is played in the stadium, the Palestinian flag is waved by thousands and the Palestinian spirit is shown to the world.