Palestinian stars Rami Hamada, Tamer Seyam and Khalid Al Nabris react to their nation’s stunning FIFA Arab Cup win over Qatar.
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Palestine stunned hosts Qatar to win their FIFA Arab Cup opener
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Lions of Canaan sit joint-top of Group A
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Rami Hamada, Tamer Seyam and Khaled Al Nabris react to the famous win
When the starting whistle blew at Al Bayt Stadium after a spectacular opening ceremony for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2025™, many expected the hosts – the reigning Asian champions, bound for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ – to walk away with all three points. But the determination of the Lions of Canaan turned the tables, and they snatched victory courtesy of a decisive own goal deep into second half stoppage time.
Many might wonder how Palestine pulled it off against the hosts, a side brimming with confidence and strong recent form. The answer, perhaps, lies in the words of the outstanding goalkeeper, Rami Hamada, who spoke to FIFA after the match and explained the secret behind Palestine’s overall improvement in recent months:
“I draw on support from my teammates,” he said. “When I see how serious they are on the pitch, how they’re completely focused, we’re able to help each other, and that’s the key our success: we stand as one, a united team.”
It seems that those three points have only whetted the appetite of coach Ihab Abu Jazar’s men as forward Zaid Qunbar told FIFA. “Our ambition before the match, even before this win, was to qualify for the knockout stages, and we’re on the right path. So the best is yet to come, God willing, and we’re striving to reach our goal.”
The Palestinians were quick to acknowledge the strength of their opponents, expressing tremendous satisfaction at defeating a team of such high calibre. They also see the win as a moment of joy for their people.
“My teammates put in a huge performance, with exceptional tactical discipline, and never deviated from the coach’s instructions. They really put in a massive effort,” Hamada said.
“This victory is not just for us (the players), but for our people back home in Palestine. Our goal is to bring a smile to their faces through football, which is what we have to offer, so it was a monumental victory for us.”
Meanwhile, star striker Tamer Seyam offered his take: “We dedicate this victory to our people and to our fans who came to support us in the stands. It was a difficult victory against the Asian champions, who will be playing at the next World Cup. We’re proud of the victory and hope for success in what lies ahead.”
The sentiment was echoed by substitute Khaled Al Nabris, one of the players Ihab sent on in the second half who injected vital momentum for the Lions of Canaan. “I congratulate the Palestinian people,” he said. “It was an important victory at the beginning of our Arab Cup journey, and we hope to continue in the same vein and qualify for the upcoming rounds.”
Despite the Palestinians’ euphoria, they acknowledged the difficulty of their upcoming match against Tunisia, even as they remain confident in their team’s abilities. “Our goal is always to win, and we go into every match with that mindset,” Hamada said.” But Tunisia are a very strong team, to be honest, and so are Syria, whom we respect and congratulate on their win. It won’t be an easy match. It’ll come down to the smallest details. But we’re playing at a high level, with discipline, and we’re delivering big performances. It’ll be a difficult encounter for both sides.”
Palestine currently top Group A alongside Syria, with three points each, and will face Tunisia at 17:30 local time on Thursday at Lusail Stadium.
