Overview
- Qatar defender Sultan Al Brake diverted a Mohammed Saleh header into his own net in the 95th minute to decide the match 1-0 at Al Bayt Stadium.
- Qatar controlled possession and pressed late, including a rejected penalty claim, but created few clear chances against a disciplined Palestine defense.
- A capacity crowd attended the opener, with Geo News reporting 61,475 at a ceremony themed around unity, peace and renewal.
- Zaid Qunbar said on FIFA’s website that the team’s work with the coaching staff is paying off and that the group aims for the knockout stage.
- Geo News reported it was Palestine’s first Arab Cup win since 1966, as Palestine and Syria lead Group A after Syria’s 1-0 victory over Tunisia.