Education City Stadium, Qatar – In the end, Palestine lost to Iran on the pitch but the team and the Palestinian people won over thousands of hearts in their opening match of the AFC Asian Cup at the Education City Stadium in Qatar.

The 4-1 scoreline in Iran’s favour fairly reflected the possession and dominance that the Asian powerhouse enjoyed in the Group C match on Sunday night, but it does not tell the story of a crowd that was united behind Palestine amid Israel’s devastating war on Gaza.

As fans soaked in the atmosphere, two Palestinian sisters whose family hails from Gaza admitted it was an emotional night for them.

“The show of support we have seen here makes us feel acknowledged,” they told Al Jazeera, requesting anonymity.

“We have never been able to travel to our native land [Gaza]. It’s unjust and upsetting because wherever we go, it never feels like home.”

‘Special night’

Despite the importance of the match – in a group that also includes Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates – Iranian fans acknowledged the emotional importance of the night.

Ali Mir, from Iran, arrived with a unique flag: half Iranian and half Palestinian.

“These two countries are playing a very important match tonight and will be opponents, but in reality, they are brothers and are striving for peace in the world,” he said.

“So I am here to support both on this special night.”

Emotions were running high in the stands, too.

When national anthems of both countries were played ahead of kick-off, the Iranian anthem was received with a loud rendition by the team’s raucous supporters.

And when “Fidai Baladi” rang out, the Palestinians could not hold back their emotions as they sang along.

Iran’s fan groups backed Team Melli vociferously from the stands with drums and large flags.

They had barely begun warming up when Iran opened the scoring in the second minute.

Palestine found themselves chasing the game throughout the first half, but provided their fans with a moment of joy when they scored in the sixth minute of added time.