Palestine has secured a coveted spot in the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025, overcoming Libya in a dramatic penalty shootout. The playoff match, held in Doha, concluded with a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of intense play, leading to the decisive penalty kicks. Palestine emerged victorious with a 4-3 score in the shootout, sparking celebrations among players and fans alike.
"This was the toughest playoff match," Palestine coach Ihab Abu Jazar told Al Kass TV. He acknowledged Libya's strength and the challenges his team faced due to various circumstances and absences. Despite these hurdles, Abu Jazar expressed immense pride in his team's achievement. He emphasized the unique role of football for Palestinians, stating, "Football is one of the few things that can bring happiness to Palestinians". He further added, "We play for more than trophies – we play to send a message and bring joy to our people".
Captain Musab Al-Battat echoed this sentiment, highlighting the significance of the victory for Palestinian children. "Just making Palestinian children smile is an achievement for every player," he said. Al-Battat also conveyed his personal honor in representing Palestine at the Arab Cup, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with it. He noted the energy and motivation derived from playing for the national team, overcoming fatigue to contribute fully to the match.
The match itself was adisplay of determination from both sides. Palestine goalkeeper Rami Hamada played a crucial role, saving Libya's first penalty kick. As the shootout progressed, Libya's goalkeeper Aymen Al Tihar kept his team's hopes alive by stopping a shot from Michel Termanini. Ultimately, Amid Mahajna calmly converted Palestine's final penalty, while Libya's Marwan Al Hbeishi missed the target, sealing Palestine's qualification.
Forward Oday Dabbagh pointed to fatigue as a factor, with several players having played club matches shortly before the game. He expressed gratitude for divine assistance during the shootout and noted the team's ongoing improvement, with more players gaining opportunities abroad.
Palestine joins Qatar, Tunisia, and Syria in Group A for the tournament, which begins in December. Their qualification is a testament to the team's resilience and progress, especially considering the difficult circumstances in Gaza. Despite the devastation, Palestine has continued to develop on the pitch, having already secured a spot at the 2027 Asian Cup and narrowly missing out on Asia's World Cup playoff.
The FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025 features the nine highest-ranked Arab nations in the FIFA World Rankings, who qualified directly for the group stage. Alongside them are teams emerging from the qualification stage, battling for a chance to compete in the final on December 18 at Lusail Stadium. The tournament will follow a round-robin format in four groups, with the top two teams advancing to the knockout stages.
