Palestinians near ‘Promised Land’

MALE’ – Palestine, which stands in the way of the Azkals and their quest for football greatness, is as determined to go all the way to the Promised Land.

For the Palestinians, winning the AFC Challenge Cup trophy isn’t merely achieving some sports feat but actually delivering a message to the world on behalf of a nation trying to achieve peace.

“It’s very big because you know, Palestine now are in occupation so we want to send messages to the world that we have sports, we have players and we want peace so it’s very big to us in our country,” coach Jamal Mahmoud said.

Palestine and Phl dispute the diadem tonight in an all-out showdown.

“I think it will be a hard match because the Philippines is a very difficult team and they’re preparing well for this championship game,” Mahmoud said.

“It will be a tactical match and I hope to win,” he added.

It will be a duel between the nations that disputed the bronze medal in 2012 in Nepal. The Azkals won that one, 4-3.

Mahmoud was just with Palestine for three months back then and by now the players should have adjusted to his system well.

“This Phl team is stronger than the last time but I think we’ll be ready for them tomorrow,” he said.