Receive news, analysis, and other content straight to your inbox by subscribing to Football Palestine (free or paid), here.
For the third straight time, Palestine will be participating in the Round of 16 at the Asian Games. Unlike previous campaigns in 2014 and 2018 this group stage featured neither a goal nor a win for Al-Fida’i but a solitary point in a three team group that included 2006 champions Qatar and 2010 champions Japan proved to be enough for Palestine to clinch second place in the group.
As the majority of matches were played yesterday, Palestine were assured of two things before a ball was even kicked in Hangzhou. First, that they would be playing in the knockout stage regardless of the outcome of the match against Japan. And second, that a one goal loss would be good enough to see them finish in second place ahead of Qatar.
Palestine’s prospects took a blow when Mohammed Saleh was sent off in the 19th minute. The straight red card means the side’s captain will miss the next game. Japan took the lead shortly thereafter but also saw Kakeru Yameuchi sent off in the 24th minute for his second bookable offense.
The game slowly petered out with Palestine showing determined resolve not to concede again in order to avoid a showdown with tournament hosts China.
Al-Fida’i will now face Hong Kong in the Round of 16- the only side remaining in the competition who have yet to pick up a point. Palestine should not feel too comfortable as they are the only side remaining yet to score a goal.
The match-up will be a preview of the Asian Cup encounter in four months time although likely none of Palestine players are likely to take part.
Kickoff is set for Wednesday, September 27th, at 14:30 Jerusalem time.
