Leicester defender Harry Souttar scored the only goal as Australia beat Palestine in front of thousands of fans in a World Cup qualifier in Kuwait.

The match was Palestine's second since the start of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

Australia's players are making a five-figure donation from their match fees to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, which will be matched by Football Australia.

Coach Graham Arnold said preparations had been "quite stressful" as the game had moved from the West Bank to Kuwait.

More than 1,200 people have been killed in a series of attacks launched by Hamas in Israel with around 240 taken as hostages, while Gaza health authorities say more than 11,000 have been killed in the territory.

Palestine were without defender Ibrahim Abuimeir, Ahmed Kullab and Khaled Al-Nabris, with all three stuck in Gaza.

Palestine's 'star defender' stuck in Gaza
The match was attended by 14,537 fans, with those supporting Palestine waving flags throughout and holding up posters saying "free Gaza".

The last time Palestine played at home was against Saudi Arabia in 2019.

Ranked 96th in the world, they are currently third in their World Cup qualifying group, while Australia are top after successive wins.

Source: BBC 

BDST: 1003 HRS, NOV 22, 2023 
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