Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Dubai: Palestine’s preparations for next January’s AFC Asian Cup were dealt a blow on Saturday when they were beaten 1-0 by fellow continental hopefuls Uzbekistan.
Following a scoreless first half in Dubai. Bunyodkor star Sardor Rashidov struck to secure Uzbekistan’s fourth win in their past six outings and hand the White Wolves a significant psychological boost ahead of their trip Down Under.
Uzbekistan, who finished fourth at the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, are scheduled to play Jordan on December 21 and Iraq on December 25, before their Asian Cup opener against DPR Korea on January 10 in Sydney.
Meanwhile, Palestine, winners of the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup, will look regain a degree of momentum when they face China on December 21 and Iran on December 28.
They will begin their Asian Cup Group D campaign against reigning champions and four-time winners Japan in Newcastle on January 12.
Photo: AFP