Palestine advance in Asiad soccer

INCHEON, South Korea, Sept 21 (AFP): Palestine advanced to the second round of the Asian Games football Sunday, despite defeat to Singapore, and vowed to use their rise in the sport to spread some happiness at home.
Two goals in the first 20 minutes by Muhammad Shafiq Ghani gave Singapore a surprise 2-1 win over the Palestinians. But the impoverished and restricted Palestinian team still topped Group C on a better goal difference over Tajikistan, who beat Oman 1-0 in their last game to claim the second qualifying spot.
Palestinian coach Abdalnasser Barakat said the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza was constantly on the minds of the players.
"We prepared well for the Asian Games despite the difficult situation at home. We organised trips to Bahrain, Qatar and Oman," he said after.