Forward Tamer Seyam and his teammates “want to make a historic achievement for Palestine” when they face Hong Kong on tomorrow at the Asian Cup, where a first win ever at the tournament could propel them into the next round, AFP reports.

“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.”

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.”