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’s attack on 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."The match will be challenging but we hold high hopes of qualifying - either in second place or or one of the best third placed sides. All the players are prepared and ready, in anticipation of a competitive game,” said 31-year-old forward Seyam, who plays for Thailand club PT Prachuap. "Although we played exceptionally well against the UAE, we were unlucky not to score. However, we know that tomorrow’s match won’t be easy. We are well-prepared and poised to achieve a historic milestone and we have this opportunity to qualify into the next round.”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. "I trust the players, if we play with the same level as against UAE, we will be able to win,” he said.Palestine took one point from that match, a thrilling 1-1 draw with 10-man UAE. Daboub added that the team wanted to win for the "Palestinian people, who deserve to be happy. All the players are determined to win,” he said. "Hopefully we will be able to score early and ensure the three points.”Despite their confidence-boosting performance against UAE, Daboub warned his team against underestimating Hong Kong. "Hong Kong have proven to be a formidable and advanced team, performing well against UAE and Iran. Winning is not just an option; it’s a necessity for us. I have confidence in our players, and if we can replicate the second-half performance against UAE, we have a good chance of victory,” said Daboub."Despite some unfortunate outcomes in previous matches, tomorrow’s match is decisive, and I hope we meet the expectations. The players are determined to secure a win. They understand the difficulty of the upcoming game. Hong Kong have made significant improvements in their style, often dictating the pace of play with direct football. Finding solutions is crucial for us, and an early goal will alleviate pressure on the team. We aim to score early to secure the three points. Staying calm under pressure is key and we are ready to face whatever comes our way,” Daboub added.His opposite number Jorn Andersen said Hong Kong were unfazed by facing an opponent with extra motivation beyond the football field, noting that his players too could make history for their team. "I’m not thinking about what Palestine is thinking,” he said."I think if we have the possibility tomorrow to go to the final round, be one of the 16 best teams in Asia, all Hong Kong will be proud of us and all the players know that. They will give everything for Hong Kong.”Andersen wants Hong Kong, China to end their long wait for a win by defeating Palestine. "After the first two games, we believe we performed well and while we are satisfied with our play, we are disappointed to have earned zero points. Nevertheless, we still have a chance to advance to the final round, and securing a win is crucial. Having observed Palestine in their matches, we are optimistic about collecting the three points,” said the 60-year-old Anderson."In our discussions, we emphasised the importance of taking the initiative. In the previous two games, our focus was on defence, but now we aim to be more proactive, especially in front of goal."In analysing Palestine’s strategy, they typically play a 4-4-2 formation and look for opportunities on the counter-attack. It is essential for us to pose a constant threat in the attacking third. Against Iran, we created three to four chances, and we are determined to improve our finishing in tomorrow’s match."This is undeniably a high-pressure game, and everyone is aware that a victory is crucial for our continued participation in the tournament. While I don’t want to put undue pressure on the team, it’s a collective understanding that we have to win.”
January 23, 2024 | 12:20 AM