Palestine shock Qatar in Arab Cup opener after last-gasp own goal

Doha: Two time Asian champions Qatar were stunned 1 0 by Palestine in their FIFA Arab Cup Group A opener, conceding a last minute own goal from Sultan...

Doha: Two-time Asian champions Qatar were stunned 1-0 by Palestine in their FIFA Arab Cup Group A opener, conceding a last-minute own goal from Sultan Al Brake.

In front of 61,475 spectators, mostly Qatari fans creating a cauldron-like atmosphere at Al Bayt Stadium, the home side dominated possession but saw their evening end in heartbreak when Al Brake inadvertently deflected a cross from substitute Ahmad Alqaq into his own net in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time.

Palestine were rewarded for their resilience, absorbing Qatar’s pressure for most of the match and applying late pressing. They earned a last-gasp corner, which led to the decisive own goal, leaving goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada with no chance despite an otherwise quiet evening.

Qatar created several opportunities, but coach Julen Lopetegui will demand better execution when his side returns to action against Syria on Thursday at Khalifa International Stadium.