Palestine fall to Uzbekistan 2-1, fail to qualify for U23 Asian Cup
Palestine's string of failures at youth level continues as PFA's haphazard approach yields same old results.
Palestine’s 2-1 loss to Uzbekistan featured some interesting twists along the path to a predictable destination. Palestine’s lone success at Asian youth tournaments remains the 2018 U23 Asian Cup which they qualified for with the help of home field advantage.
The first half featured few chances for both sides with the pace of the game slowed down by the afternoon sun. Palestine’s left flank was brutally exposed with Nodirbek Abdurazzokov’s cross unchallenged it was easy picking for Askarov Bekhruzbek who finished from close range.
Palestine had their chances to equalize and it was Mohammed Sandouqa who showed the most initiative. Early in the second half he burst into the box to collect a loose ball and fired at goal earning a corner kick. The ensuing set piece found its target only for defender Moayad Hassassnah to put his effort over the bar.
That did spark Palestine into action and they kept pushing until an equalizer arrived in the 70th minute. Hadi Dawkar had switched flanks and a dazzling run down the left opened up space that he used to send the perfect cross to Sandouqa. The Palestine captain’s goal gave an injection of hope to the team.
Ten minutes later Dawkar took matters into his own hand dribbling into the box and forcing a fine save from the Uzbek goalkeeper.
Moments later Dawkar was inexplicably withdrawn and that substitution proved to be a harbinger of bad things to come. Nodirbek Abdurazzokov was the provider again as his cross met the head of Turidmurodov inside the winning goal with five minutes left to play.
Uzbekistan’s win allowed them to clinch one of the best runners-up spots on seven points. While Palestine were drawn in a tough group there are several critiques that can be leveled at the staff led by Ibrahim Abu Madi.
Firstly personnel decisions left a lot to be desired. Fans are right to question the lack of minutes for Shueib Elias-Ali. The fact that several top talents are not in this squad was not even addressed. Notable absences include Khalid Nabris of Ismaily, left back Zacarías Abuhadba of Antofagasta, and Bulgaria based attacking midfielder Monir Al-Badarin have all proven themselves capable with club and country.
Their presence could have made the difference but that might have covered up broader failings. Abu Madi had no plan in place had Palestine scored the third goal today and qualified as one of the best runners ups it would have been down to the players.
The individual quality of the players was on display throughout the week but this is not basketball- individual quality will never be enough.
The cycle of failure is doomed to repeat itself over and over again if the Palestine Football Association does not modernize and change its ways. That starts with coaching, tactical integration across national teams, and planning.