Palestine boss Abu Jazar highlights Al-Dabbagh goal after New Zealand draw

Palestine head coach Ehab Abu Jazar praised his side’s performance and tactical gains after they drew 2-2 with New Zealand in a friendly at Longching Stadium.

Abu Jazar said Palestine had controlled much of the match but were placed under greater pressure late on because several players had not been involved regularly.

“The performance against New Zealand was very positive, and we controlled the game,” Abu Jazar said in comments published on the Palestinian Football Association’s account.

“However, there are players who are not playing regularly, which meant they had control during the final part of the match.”

As well as assessing his team’s display, Abu Jazar pointed to the opportunities created against a New Zealand side that had competed at the World Cup.

“Overall, it was an excellent experience,” he added. “We missed several chances against New Zealand, who played in the World Cup, and we benefited from the match tactically and technically.

“We scored from a set-piece and also from open play after a cross which Oday Dabbagh took advantage of.”

Asad Hamalawi and Oday Dabbagh scored Palestine’s goals.

Palestine’s midfield featured Emad Sawafteh, who plays for Al Masry, and Hamed Hamdan of Pyramids. Dabbagh, a Zamalek forward, partnered Petrojet player Badr Moussa in attack.

Zamalek midfielder Adam Kaied came on as a substitute.

Palestine’s next match will be against China next Friday.