The Palestinian squad at the Asian Cup are finding it very hard to focus due to the conflict in Gaza, Reuters quotes coach Makram Daboub as saying, as he added that their presence at the tournament should remind the world that “Palestine exists”.

“Keeping focused, honestly, is difficult because most of the time the players are focusing on news after training or before it, even on the bus while going to training,” Daboub told reporters ahead of their group opener against Iran on Sunday.

Palestine coach Makram Daboub with his players during training at Onaiza Park, Doha, Qatar on January 11, 2024. — Reuters
Palestine coach Makram Daboub with his players during training at Onaiza Park, Doha, Qatar on January 11, 2024. — Reuters

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