By Palestine Chronicle Staff 
The Palestine women’s national football team is making their mark at the West Asian Women’s Football Championship as they beat Syria to advance to the semis.
In a major feat, the Palestinian national women’s football team has advanced to the semi-finals of the West Asian Women’s Football Championship, after defeating Syria 1-0, at the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah.
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) said that the team, despite the grueling schedule, having played their first match last Tuesday against Iraq, and then a training session on Wednesday, were able to “achieve victory” on Thursday night.
They were therefore able to “collect the three points as they came in second place in the group with six points behind the leading Nepal team. Goal difference.”
“Our female team players threatened the Syrian goal more than once, most notably Aya Abed’s dangerous chance in the 43rd minute, but the Syrian team’s defender blocked it, so the first half ended in a scoreless draw,” the PFA stated on its website.
“Miral Qassis succeeded in snatching the winning goal for the women’s squad in the 88th minute of the match,” the report added.
The team will face Nepal In the last group match next Saturday, the report added.
The tournament is being hosted by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation and runs until February 29.
Palestine Men’s Team Wins
In another achievement, the Palestine Men’s national football team clinched the Freedom Cup after being a local side, the South Africa XI invitational team, at an event in Cape Town, South Africa, last week.
Palestine, who lost their first game against a Western Cape XI in the Football 4 Humanity tournament the week before, went on to beat their hosts 1-0 in the second and final match.
Both games drew thousands of spectators waving Palestinian flags and banners in support of a Free Palestine.
The opening match was attended by various dignitaries, including President Cyril Ramaphosa along with Minister of International Relations, Naledi Pandor and Minister of Justice, Ronald Lamola.
“Today we celebrate humanity, we celebrate friendship. But we are also here to signify our support as the people of South Africa for the struggle of the Palestinians,” Ramaphosa, donning a Palestinian scarf, said to cheers from the crowd.
(Palestine Chronicle)
