DOHA: Hosts Qatar began their West Asian Football Federation Championship campaign on a winning note. In a keenly-fought Group A match at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, they defeated Palestine 1-0, thanks to an 87th-minute strike from Al Gharafa forward Moayad Hassan. Second half substitutes Ismael Mohammed and Moayad Hassan combined to grant Qatar a thoroughly deserved winner as Ismael made a darting run down the right flank before setting up Hassan for the game’s lone goal. Coach Djamal Belmadi relied on a young line-up that featured many players representing Qatar for the first time in the senior level. Qatar’s next game will be against Saudi Arabia on Dece 31. Nine teams are participating in the eighth edition of the tournament, which will culminate on January 7.