Palestine U-17 Beats Maldives 3-0 in Second Friendly Ahead of AFC Qualifiers

Palestine's under-17 national team defeated the Maldives under-17 team 3-0 in their second friendly match, as both sides prepare for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup qualification matches. Forward Yazan gave Palestine the lead in the first half. The first half ended 2-0 after a goal that deflected off a Maldivian player from a Palestine corner in the last minute of the half. Palestine controlled the match from the start and put pressure on the Maldivian defense. The young Maldivian players tried to get into the game and create attacks but could not send many direct shots at the Palestine goal. In the second half, both teams made several substitutions, and Palestine continued to attack. Karim Yousuf, who came on as a substitute, scored Palestine's third goal in the 84th minute. Palestine won the first friendly between the two teams 5-0. This was the last preparatory match for both teams ahead of the AFC Asian Cup qualification matches. Under the guidance of coach Ibrahim Saeed, the Maldives team is scheduled to depart for Thailand for the qualification matches on the 5th of this month. In Group B of the qualifications, along with Maldives and host Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong and Iraq are included. The Palestine team will also depart for the qualification matches on the 5th of this month. That team will compete in Group F, which will be played in Malaysia. Along with Palestine and Malaysia, India, Singapore and Guam are included in this group.