AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023: Former Palestine footballer Abdul Latif Al-Bahdari to QNA: 18th edition of Asian Cup is exceptional

The former Palestinian player Abdul Latif Al-Bahdari has described the 18th edition of the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 as exceptional and highly organized.

Talking to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al-Bahdari said the current edition of the Asian Cup is the best in the history of the continental tournament since its inception, whether in terms of professional organization, distinguished facilities, or dazzling World Cup stadiums.

The former Palestine footballer termed his country's team participation in the current edition as historic at all levels, both in terms of the results achieved by the team and its qualification for the first time to the Round of 16, and in terms of the events taking place in Gaza that coincide with the ongoing tournament.

He continued by praising the Palestinian team's achievement after qualifying to the Round of 16 despite the conditions in Gaza and the genocidal war that the Palestinians are undergoing there, and despite the suspension of the league since October 7th and the team's insufficient preparation for it until only two weeks before the start of the tournament. The players of the Palestinian team succeeded in achieving that despite all those conditions, he noted.

The Palestinian team qualified for the first time in its history to the Round of 16 and is going to face Qatar today.

Al-Bahdari stressed that the match against Qatar is difficult, especially since his country is taking on the previous edition's title holders, with an elite group of distinguished players and is looking forward to maintaining the title. He stressed his confidence in his country's team players who will do their best to get the best possible result. (QNA)