Challenge Cup final 'rematch' on the cards

The Peace Cup will re-ignite the recently forged rivalry between Palestine and the Philippines after the West Asian nation defeated the Azkals in the Challenge Cup final in the Maldives.

It was victory in the Asian Cup qualifying tournament that clinched Palestine the 16th and final place in Australia next January.

Pitted against the host nation and Myanmar and Chinese Taipei, the Palestinian side will use the tournament as an opportunity to fine-tune their squad leading into Asia's premier tournament in Australia in January.

The Palestinians will be looking to star players such as AFC Challenge Cup heroes Ashraf Nu'man Al Fawaghra and Murad Ismail Said to lead the way into the Asian Cup, where they face reigning champions Japan, 2007 winners Iraq, and Jordan, home country of head coach Jamal Mahmoud.

After debuting for Palestine against the UAE in 2009, Nu'man has become a key attacking weapon in the Palestinian set-up, finishing the Challenge Cup with four goals and the competition's top goal-scorer trophy.

Fellow star Said was integral to Palestine's charge towards glory in the Challenge Cup, resulting in him being awarded MVP of the tournament.

Both of these players have been essential elements of the Palestine's recent success and will be crucial to Palestine's chances at the Peace Cup.

Palestine's success is being felt both on and off the field with their most successful season ever resulting in their highest ever world-ranking of 85.
AFC Challenge Cup final rematch sees the curtain come down on the four-team friendly tournament on September 9, following Palestine's matches with Chinese Taipei (September 6) and Myanmar (September 3).

At the conclusion of the Peace Cup, Palestine will face consecutive matches against India before tougher clashes against African nation Morocco and fellow Asian Cup finalists China.

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