Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Amman: Palestine kept their faint hopes for a FIFA World Cup 2018/AFC Asian Cup 2019 spot alive as they drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in their joint-qualifying match at Amman International Stadium on Monday.
Both sides failed to convert several chances including a formidable long-ranger from Saudi substitute Hassan Muath which was saved by Tawfiq Abuhammad on 43 minutes before the game went into the break following two minutes added to the first half.
One of Palestine’s chances occurred on 53 minutes as Ashraf Al Fawaghra failed to convert despite having the goal at his mercy before the Saudis had a chance at goal six minutes later with midfielders Yahya Al Shehri and Taiseer Al Jassam combined in the box but the shot hit the crossbar instead.
The Green Falcons now sit top of Group A with four wins from five matches while the Palestinians occupy third position with only one win from the same number of ties.
The group winners and four best runners-up (total 12 teams) will advance to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup finals and the final round of qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The next best 24 teams from the preliminary stage of the joint qualifiers will compete in a separate competition for the remaining slots (12 slots or 11 slots + 1 slot for the host) in the 24-team 2019 Asian Cup.
Next matches:
12/11/2015: Palestine v Malaysia
17/11/2015: Timor Leste v Saudi Arabia