Palestine striker Tamer Seyam has said said Monday’s historic Asian Cup last-16 match against hosts Qatar will be a “celebration” for fans who find themselves in the unusual position of rooting for both teams, AFP reports.

Palestine have reached the knockout rounds for the first time despite a deeply troubled build-up overshadowed by the Israel’s military offensive in Gaza.

Some of the players have lost loved ones and have family trapped in Gaza. The team trained and played matches abroad in the lead-up to their third Asian Cup.

Palestine play the hosts and holders at the 68,000-capacity Al-Bayt Stadium and Seyam said on the eve of the game that it was “an honour” to have supporters of other teams cheering for them.

“For the first time in Asia there will be fans supporting two teams,” said the 31-year-old, who scored Palestine’s first goal of the tournament against Iran in a 4-1 defeat.