Palestine created history when it booked a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers for the first time following a goalless draw on Thursday against Lebanon in Doha.
Against the backdrop of the war in Gaza, the Palestinian team has already claimed a piece of soccer history this year by making a debut appearance in the Asian Cup knockout phase.
On Thursday, Palestine, who came into the Group I match with seven points, only needed a draw to progress, and they got the desired result despite some rough tactics by Lebanon as they picked up seven yellow cards.
It will also mark the fourth consecutive time Palestine have booked their place in the AFC Asian Cup finals, to be hosted by Saudi Arabia in 2027.
Manager Makram Daboub’s men next take on Australia on June 11. The Socceroos were a 2-0 winner against Bangladesh in Dhaka.
Bayern Munich-bound Nestory Irankunda, born in a refugee camp in Tanzania after his parents escaped fighting in their native Burundi, made his debut for unbeaten Australia.
And the 18-year-old had a hand in the first goal in the 29th minute when his short pass found Ajdin Hrustic to lash home from long range.
Kusini Yengi headed the second after halftime.
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