Kuala Lumpur: Head coach Makram Daboub said he will pay attention to detail after Palestine were drawn in Group C of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.
Set to make only their third appearance in the Finals, Palestine will face three-time champions Islamic Republic of Iran, United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong, China in their bid to make the knockout stage for the first time.
Factfile
FIFA World Ranking: 96
Previous Appearances: 2
Best Finish: Group Stage
2019 Result: Group Stage
Head Coach: Makram Daboub (TUN)
Fun Fact: Palestine will feature in the Finals for the third consecutive time
Previous Appearances: 2
Best Finish: Group Stage
2019 Result: Group Stage
Head Coach: Makram Daboub (TUN)
Fun Fact: Palestine will feature in the Finals for the third consecutive time
Tunisian Daboub felt the draw was balanced, saying he was optimistic that Palestine can shine with adequate preparation.
Despite Daboub’s optimism, Palestine know they will have to be at their best to stand a chance of advancing to the Round of 16.
An area for concern will be their attack, with Palestine yet to score in their Preliminary Joint Qualification – Round 2 for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Group C campaign.
The two matches played, however, would have provided Danoub with valuable insights ahead of Palestine’s Qatar 2023 challenge.
Palestine’s Group C fixtures
January 14
v IR Iran (20:30 local time, Education City Stadium)
January 18
v UAE (20:30 local time, Al Janoub Stadium)
January 23
v Hong Kong, China (18:00 local time, Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium)