“We must be focused on the competition to do something for our families, for the people of Palestine, to make them happy despite the war…” Mahmoud Wadi’s wish was partly granted. If the conflict still rages in the Gaza Strip, the selection of Palestine and its striker mourning the loss of his cousin ten days ago, nevertheless managed the performance, this Tuesday in Doha, to qualify for the eighth of final of the Asian Cup of Nations.
On the lawn of the Abdullah Bin Khalifa stadium, which usually hosts the matches of Al-Duhail, a club coached by Christophe Galtier, the Palestinians won their first victory of the competition against Hong Kong during the third and final group match. A success (3-0) which allows them to reach the round of 16 of the competition for the first time in their history.
Oday Dabbagh, congratulated here by his teammates, was one of the great architects of Palestine’s victory by scoring a double. AFP AFP or licensors
They, who had not yet scored a single goal in the Asian Nations Cup, found the net in each of their meetings. Dominated and logically beaten by Iran (4-1) when they entered the competition, they then snatched a draw (1-1) against the United Arab Emirates before achieving their first success in the cup final phase on Tuesday. of Asia, synonymous with historical qualification. Failing to offer them one of the first two places in group C, these three points allow the Palestinians to obtain qualification promised to the four best third places in the group.
“When we hear the national anthem, we feel strong”
The merit of this goes partly to Zeid Qunbar, but also and above all to Oday Dabbagh, author of a double. The Charleroi striker (Belgian L1), whom we met on the eve of Palestine’s entry into the competition, told us of his hopes of qualification. “I’m happy to represent my country, it’s a source of pride,” he said before the final training session in Doha. I hope to have great performances. It’s important for the team to be here with the context. When we hear the national anthem, we feel strong. Football can allow us to get people talking about us. The objective is to get through the groups and score a lot of goals for the selection. Preparing for the competition was difficult because of the war, as you know. We prepared in Saudi Arabia and Algeria. The situation is not easy. At the start of the war, it was really complicated when I saw the loss of civilians and the consequences of the war. Mentally, I couldn’t concentrate on what was happening on the pitch. Now I try not to look at my phone every hour in order to stay focused on my work. I really try to stay away from the news because it’s so hard. I try to take my mind off the field. I am proud to have been the first Palestinian to play in Europe. I try to be an example and inspire others. »
An inspiration that he will try to make last on January 29, when it will be a question of seeking a new feat in the round of 16 against Australia or Qatar, big pieces against which they will again not have the favor of the forecasts.
