Overview

• Qatar kicked off their AFC Asian Cup title defence with a 3-0 win over Lebanon, with two goals from Akram Afif and another from Almoez Ali.
• The Palestinian soccer team is set to face Iran in their first test at the Asian Cup, amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
• The Palestinian team's preparations have been hampered by the war in Gaza, with no domestic soccer and limited opportunities to play competitive matches.
• Despite the challenges, the Palestinian team's coach Makram Daboub expressed his desire to bring joy to the Palestinian people through their performance in the tournament.
• Qatar's victory in the AFC Asian Cup opener may help to restore their reputation after a disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup.