DOHA: Two-time Asian champions Qatar suffered a dramatic 1-0 defeat to Palestine in their opening Group A match at the FIFA Arab Cup, conceding a last-minute own goal in front of a packed Al-Bayt Stadium.
Qatar dominated possession for much of the match, creating several chances through captain Akram Afif, Edmilson Junior and Lucas Mendes, but were repeatedly denied by a disciplined Palestinian defense and goalkeeper Rami Hamada.
The decisive moment came in stoppage time when defender Sultan Al-Brake inadvertently diverted a cross from substitute Ahmad Al-Qaq into his own net, leaving Qatar stunned and Palestine, who absorbed prolonged pressure and pressed late, rewarded for their resilience.
The result leaves them level on points with Syria, who earlier stunned the previous tournament runners-up Tunisia 1-0 at Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, with Omar Kharbin’s free-kick proving decisive.
Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, will look to respond when they face Syria on Thursday at the Khalifa International Stadium, while Palestine meet Tunisia at Lusail Stadium.
