Palestine eye 'historic' win to keep Asian Cup hopes alive

DOHA, Jan 22 (AFP): Forward Tamer Seyam and his teammates "want to make a historic achievement for Palestine" when they face Hong Kong on Tuesday at the Asian Cup, where a first win ever at the tournament could propel them into the next round.
No side has played more Asian Cup matches without a win than Hong Kong (12 games) or Palestine (eight), but one victory could be enough for either side to squeak into the last 16 in Qatar.
Having weathered tough early fixtures against Iran and United Arab Emirates in Group C, both sides see an opportunity for a maiden win.
The tournament comes against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian territory of Gaza, and Seyam said a victory would have special resonance for people back home.
"Our match against Hong Kong won't be easy but we are well prepared and we want to make a historic achievement for Palestine," said the player, who scored in his side's 4-1 opening loss to Iran.
"If we are able to qualify our names will go into history."
"We have big hopes of qualifying as third or second," he said.
Coach Makram Daboub voiced qualified optimism that his side could come out on top against the team from southern China, who are yet to register a point in Qatar.