PHOTOS - Palestine advances to AFC Asian Cup round of 16 in historic achievement

The Palestine national football team has advanced, for the first time in its history, to the round of 16 of the AFC Asian Cup, after defeating Hong Kong 3-0, and qualifying among the four best third-placed teams in the group stage.

Odai Al-Dabbagh scored Palestine’s first goal in the 12th minute. Zaid Al-Qanbar added the second in the 48th minute - Al-Dabbagh then added the third and his personal second in the 60th minute.

The AFC Asian Cup’s tournament system states that teams that finish in the first and second positions in their groups qualify for the second round. Additionally, the best 4 teams among those finishing in the third position also advance to the round of 16.

With the Palestinian national team securing 4 points, they have successfully secured qualification as one of the best third-placed teams.