Bilateral series: Palestine football team to visit Pakistan

Tourists set to play two matches in second leg of bilateral series

KARACHI: Palestine’s national football team is scheduled to arrive in Lahore on October 10 for the second leg of the bilateral series against Pakistan.

The two teams will play the first match on October 12 and the second on October 14 at the Punjab Stadium.

According to Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Secretary Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi, hosting the event at home is an achievement when none of the foreign countries are willing to tour Pakistan in other sports.

“Holding this event is comparatively easier for us at home,” Lodhi told The Express Tribune. “It’s costing us Rs2 million, while sending the team abroad is always more challenging.

“The PFF is the only major federation that’s bringing international teams to the country. We’re very serious about promoting football in Pakistan and holding international events.”

Lodhi added that a national training camp under head coach Mohamed Shamlan for the two-match series will be spread over three days.

“There’s a three-day camp and as far as the results are concerned, we’re hoping for the best.”

Lodhi said that key players like Kaleemullah, Muhammad Adil and Saddam Hussain may also participate in the event.

“We’re trying to get them to Lahore for the series, but it isn’t confirmed yet. However, we are hoping for the best.”

Meanwhile, assistant coach Hassan Baloch said that Palestine are tough opponents to compete with.

“The Palestinian team tours throughout the year,” said Baloch. “They play matches abroad because the political situation in Palestine doesn’t allow them to hold international events. So this is a seasoned team with plenty of exposure.”