Palestine’s preparations for their maiden bow at the AFC U23 Championship Finals are nearly over. After flying to China on the eve of the new year, Ayman Sandouqa’s men continued preparations in Shanghai. Yesterday, the side faced Vietnam in what is to be their final friendly before locking horns with current AFC U23 Championship holders Japan on January 10th.
Vietnam’s style of play is meant to closely replicate that of fellow ASEAN rivals Thailand- whom Palestine will face on the final match day of group play.
The two sides ended the first half with honors even with neither managing to break the deadlock.
Vietnam took the lead shortly after the second half kick off through Ha Duc Chinh but regressed as the effects of six changes began to discombobulate the team.
Palestine leveled the score in the 67th minute through Arminia Hannover’s Mohammed Darwish goal.
Palestine had previously played Oman and Qatar in friendlies. Registering a 1-0 loss and a 1-1 draw against Oman before beating Qatar 3-2 in Doha.
Palestine’s goals have been scored by Mohammed El-Kayed (2), Mohammed Bassim, & Shihab Qinbar.
The strike against Vietnam was Darwish’s first in a Palestine shirt.
