June 11 – Palestine’s football team are doing a remarkable job of keeping their country’s name alive and until the 97thminute of the Round 3 World Cup qualifying, it looked as though they had made it into the final round of Asian World Cup qualifying.
Palestine’s football team are remarkable story of triumph in adversity and commitment to their people and families who are being brutalised at home.
Palestine had already set a record advancing this far in World Cup qualifying for the first time and at 1-0 up against Oman and heading into added time looked to have secured their slot in the final six AFC qualifiers for the last two available Asian slots at 2026.
Going into the 12th match day of Round 3 qualifying, Palestine had to beat Oman to qualify for Round 4. Oman only needed to draw.
Palestine typically showed no fear – this is a nation with nothing to lose – as they started fast against the Omanis with a succession of chances including Michel Termanini hitting the bar with a header.
Despite their pressure it wasn’t until the 49th minute that they had their breakthrough, when Oday Kharoub headed home at the near post from a corner by Adamhamza Kayed.
Oman suffered another blow in the 73rd minute when Harib Al Saadi received a second yellow card for a foul on Hamed Hamdan.
The Palestinians pressed and Wessam Abou Ali had two chances in the last 10 minutes to double Palestine’s lead, but Faiyiz Al Rusheidi was equal to them.
With the clock moving deep into added time it was to be heartbreak for the Palestinians. A foul by Taha on Muhsen Al Ghassani Issam saw Oman awarded a penalty which Issam Al Sabhi converted.
Football can be cruel but the Palestinians, who have continually and proudly waved their flag on the international scene, have sent another message that they are people too, they are still here and they are still fighting for survival.
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