Now we must win the final says Jamal

May 27, 2014 - 07:24:54 | Shimaaz Ali

Palestine players celebrating the second goal against Afghanistan. They won the match by 2-0. (MS Photo: Shimaaz Ali)

Male’, MALDIVES – Palestine head coach Jamal Mahmoud insists that winning the semifinal is not enough and they must win the final of AFC Challenge Cup.

Ashraf Al Fawaghra, joint top scorer in the competition with 3 goals scored either side of half time for Palestine to earn a place in the final.

“It was a tough match and both teams knew that if they lose they will be out of the competition and we played well and won the game. Now we will prepare for the final.”

“It was important to score. We missed chances in the first and second half, but we managed to score a goal in the first half.”

“Now we must win the final and book a place in the Asian Cup 2015 and this is more important.”

When asked about his comments before the tournament about their preparation he defended his words and replied that they didn’t have enough preparation.

“Before the tournament we did not have good preparation, but the players are too strong and want to do something for their country. The strongest point of our team is their soul. It was very difficult to arrange friendly games in preparation for this tournament.”

On the other hand, Afghanistan head coach Eric Rutemoller said that they had some blackouts and gave chances away.

“It was a semi-final and a competitive game and I think the players felt that today especially in the first half when we had some blackouts and gave chances away, but were lucky they didn’t score.”

“But then the penalty and we were 1-0 down. But at half time we had a chat and we would not give up. But then what happened should not have happened with the second goal and then you are behind mentally as well,”

Rutemoller also said that he is proud of the way they tried to score in the second half.

“But I am proud of the way they tried at least to score in the second half and created chances against a very good defence who have not conceded up to now. We tried and that is OK. I was confident we would score and then you never know, but in the end Palestine won and they deserved to win.”