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Palestine’s preparations for the upcoming U23 Asian Cup qualifiers in September have started with a bang. Palestine dispatched Syria 1-0 in a game that featured plenty of action belying the modest scoreline.
Syria would have been favorites coming into this encounter. The Syrian FA had contracted Mark Wotte, a slew of foreign based players were in the side, and had serious pedigree at U23 level having reached the final of the innaugural U23 WAFF Championship and the semifinal of the previous two editions.
Palestine on the other hand, seemed to be struggling to replicate the achievements of 2018 team that featured the likes of Oday Dabbagh, Michel Termanini, Mohammed Rashid, and Mahmoud Abu Warda.
That narrative flew out the window in the opening quarter hour in Karbala. Palestine were sharp and aggressive and knew exactly what they wanted to do in possession- go straight for goal.
Al-Fida’i were rewarded when Zaid Qombor won a penalty in the 14th minute. The miserly performance from the penalty spot continued, though. Halid Alghoul smashed his effort off the crossbar marking the third missed penalty kick in two games for the team. Palestine had missed a pair of spot kicks in their 0-0 closed door friendly with Jordan last week.
To the team’s credit they continued to attack and were rewarded when in the 37th minute; Gibrán Haj Yousef spun his defender on the edge of the box and produced the winning goal.
The team continued to pour forward in the second half before taking a defensive stance in the final half hour. Tired legs did mean that Syria came close to finding an equalizer only to be denied repeatedly by Abdelhadi Yaseen. The Abna Sakhnin goalkeeper made his professional debut at the end of this season and showcased his expertise in killing the game and Syrian hopes.
For the longest time, Palestine had struggled to find young competent goalkeepers but regardless of what happens at the U23 WAFF Championship this moment might best be remembered for Abed Yaseen bursting onto the scene.
Al-Fida’i faces Iran on Friday evening at 19:45 Jerusalem time.
