KUALA LUMPUR: Palestine plan to use tomorrow’s international friendly against Malaysia at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium as a stepping stone towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and 2027 Asian Cup.
Coach Ehab Abu Jazar, 45, who took charge of the Palestine team last December, has developed a solid side.
Under him, Palestine beat Iraq 2-1 and Kuwait 2-0 and lost 3-1 to Asian Cup runners-up Jordan in World Cup qualifiers earlier this year.
“This match is crucial for us. We are so happy to be here in Malaysia to play against your national team.
“For us, it is preparation for the World Cup match against Libya in November, and also for the Asian Cup in 2027,” said Abu Jazar.
The Palestine team arrived in Kuala Lumpur without seven injured first-choice players, including Asad Hamlawi, Mohamed Houss, Amid Mahajneh, Mohamed Saleh, Amid Sawafat and striker Oday Dabagh.
Defender Augustin Mansour remained in South America with his Paraguayan club, Guarani.
Palestine have a good record against Malaysia. The Middle East nation played Malaysia three times since 2013, winning twice and drawing once, without conceding a single goal.
The most notable were the 6-0 victories, both at home and away, in the 2018 World Cup/2019 Asian Cup qualifiers.
“We know Malaysia are a strong team, very well prepared. They are developing, and they have plans,” said Abu Jazar.
Palestine captain Oday Kharoub said: “For us, this game (against Malaysia) also helps with our FIFA ranking. We want to see the limits of our new players and how they can fit into the team.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
