Doha, Qatar: Goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada remained composed and optimistic despite Qatar’s dramatic 1-0 defeat to Palestine in their FIFA Arab Cup opener on Monday, insisting the team will respond strongly in the coming matches.
The loss came in the most painful way possible - a stoppage-time own goal - after Qatar had controlled much of the Group A clash.
“We lost the match on very small details,” Abunada said after the defeat.
“We have two matches left, and we’ll take what happened today as a lesson. What matters is that we stay positive.”
Qatar had dominated possession at Al Bayt Stadium, pushing Palestine deep with waves of attacks. Ahmed Fathy fired an early warning, Mohammad Al Mannai tested Rami Hamada from distance, and Akram Afif constantly created pockets of space.
The introduction of Edmilson Junior after the break added further spark, with his pressing and deliveries nearly unlocking the Palestinian defence.
Mohammed Muntari came close with a towering header, only to be denied by a superb Hamada save.
But despite the pressure, Palestine held firm. Their resilience was rewarded deep into stoppage time when a late corner led to a dramatic twist - Sultan Al Brake’s attempted clearance spun into his own net, leaving Abunada helpless and Qatar stunned.
“Everyone was upset, but the solution is to work harder and improve. InshaAllah, we will perform better in the next matches,” Abunada added.
Only then did he turn his message to the supporters, who filled the stands.
“I thank every fan who came. We need you with us in every match. InshaAllah we will make you happy and go far.”
From the bench, fellow goalkeeper Meshaal Barsham watched the tense battle unfold.
“It was a difficult match with many injuries and a lot of pressure,” he said.
“Palestine are organised and fought until the last moment. But we are capable, and Insha Allah, we will qualify [for quarter-finals].”
Barsham also pointed to the squad’s depth. “We have solutions in every match. We have players who can change things. The pressure affected us today, but we have what it takes.”
His outlook was clear: “Next we face Syria, and InshaAllah we will win. Then we’ll beat Tunisia and qualify.”
Qatar will meet Syria tomorrow at Khalifa International Stadium.
