Palestine coach Makram Daboub said his players must be “fully focused” against the United Arab Emirates at the Asian Cup tomorrow after defeat to Iran in an emotional opening game, AFP reports.

Palestine conceded a goal after just 64 seconds on their way to a 4-1 thrashing by the Iranians in Doha, with Daboub admitting that his players were “overexcited”.

The match coincided with the 100th day of Israeli bombardment in Gaza, the grim milestone adding extra significance to an occasion that went beyond football.

A brief moment’s silence was held before kick-off and Daboub said it had been difficult to control his players’ emotions in the opening game.

“In the previous match the focus at the start of the match was not what we intended,” he said.

“No coach would want the scenario we had against Iran but the game against UAE is different because we have the same chances and it is important for us to get the three points.”