Last-Gasp Own Goal Snatches Palestine Victory Over Qatar in the Arab Cup
1 December 2025
Match Overview
Palestine's national team secured a dramatic victory over Qatar by a single goal, in their match at Al Bayt Stadium in Al-Khor this evening, closing the first round of Group A in the Arab Cup, hosted in Qatar until December 18.
The Palestinian tally came in stoppage time at 90+6, credited as an own goal by Qatar's Sultan Al-Breik into his own net.
Palestine and Syria shared the Group A lead on three points each after Syria edged Tunisia 1-0 in the opening match, while Tunisia and Qatar left the first round without points.
Qatar pressed early, but Palestine's solid defensive block frustrated their plans, with Qatar's attack lacking cohesion and frequent misplaced passes breaking the rhythm.
Palestine maintained their reliance on counterattacks down the left, sending crosses that Qatar's defense and goalkeeper Mahmoud Abu Nada handled with ease, leaving the first half scoreless.
Second Half and Late Drama
In the second half, the Qataris continued to struggle as they intensified their pressure but still found few reliable finishing options.
Ahmed Alaa missed Palestine's first real chance in the 50th minute, racing onto a right-flank cross but steering it onto the side netting.
Rami Hamada's goalkeeping shone in several saves, while Qatar's Mohammed Abu Nada claimed a routine header at 65', and Qatar's side appealed for a penalty in the 66th minute after a challenge on Akram Afif in the Palestinian box, but Swedish referee Glenn Nyberg waved play on.
Adi Al-Dabagh nearly scored for Palestine in the 68th minute after a deft run by a defender, but his powerful strike skimmed the right post.
Palestine again squandered easy chances in the 81st minute as a cross slid across everyone, with the closest Palestinian being Zaid Al-Qanbar.
The visitors finally sealed the win in stoppage time, as Qatar's Sultan Al-Breik inadvertently turned a ball into his own net at 90+6.
In the 32nd minute, Asem Madibo went off with an injury and Issa Lai came on.
Late in the game, Palestine stepped up, pressing from the halfway line and forcing Qatar to retreat.
The crowd roared as the own goal delivered the dramatic twist, leaving fans in disbelief.
This result puts Palestine and Syria atop Group A with three points apiece.
Qatar will need to regroup ahead of their next clash.
The final whistle brought a fair share of irony: a self-inflicted goal decided a match and a group with a surprise winner.
Punchline: If football had a trick shot award, that one would win—right in its own goal.
Punchline: Qatar’s defense must’ve checked the schedule and thought it was a comedy special—plot twist, 90+6.
