Australia will host one of world football's most captivating storylines at the 2015 Asian Cup after war-torn Palestine qualified for their first top-tier tournament by winning the AFC Challenge Cup final against the Philippines.

Palestine became the 16th and final nation to qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia after Ashraf Al Fawaghra struck a stunning long-range free kick to seal the 1-0 final win in the Maldives.

Landmark victory: Palestinian football fans celebrate in the West Bank city of Ramallah. Credit:AFP

Palestine form Group D of the Asian Cup alongside reigning champions Japan, Jordan and 2007 champions Iraq. Despite the tough draw, Palestine will enter the tournament in a rich vein of form, having won the AFC Challenge Cup without conceding a goal.

They will make their Asian Cup debut against Japan in Newcastle on January 12 before playing Jordan in Melbourne four days later. Their final group game against Iraq will be held in Canberra on January 20.

It will be their first top-tier international tournament as Palestine have never qualified for a World Cup, Asian Cup or Olympic Games since recognised as an independent state by FIFA in 1998.