April 14th, 2024: This Week in Palestinian Football
Wessam Abou Ali strikes again, Cup success for Shamshoum and Hassan, Sirius IK uncovers more Palestinian talent, and Libyan football acquires a Palestinian flavour
32 players; roughly the size of two WBPL squads. That is how many Palestinian players now play in Libya and while the big names have decamped, at least until the end of the season, to the Libyan topflight. Many more are now contracted to teams in Libya’s second tier. A full list of players currently plying their trade in Libya can be found below:
It is an ecletic mix of players with many not likely ever to play for the national team. That said, regular football for national team players and good fringe players will be key to keeping Al-Fida’i ticking along.
Even though they are no competing in the second tier keep an eye out for Hamza Issa and Sadeq Obaid two standouts of the 2023/24 WBPL season. The success of this project will be measuring the churn rate next season. If the lion’s share of players renew their temporary contracts then it can be deemed a success.
Winning Time Wessam
The last three months have been generally positive for Wessam Abou Ali and his Palestinian fans. The striker moved to Egyptian giants Al-Ahly, scored twice on his league debut, and got official FIFA clearnance to play for Al-Fida’i.
The one drawback? Injuries.
A bothersome hamstring has not held Wessam back and he announced his return to the team in a big way on Thursday coming off the bench to score the winner against ZED FC:
Shamshoum to play FA Vase Final
A fantastic moment in the young career of former U23 Goalkeeper Luis Shamshoum whose heroics in a semifinal penalty kick shootout have lead Great Wakering Rovers to the Final of the FA Vase. Read More
Dabbagh sparks comeback
Oday Dabbagh got a new lease on life when Charleroi sacked the hapless Felice Mazzu during the international break. Les Zebres are under new management for the relegation round and while Dabbagh should have been awarded with an assist in a 0-0 draw vs Molenbeek last week (Parfait’s poor finishing denied him) he made up for it in today’s 2-1 win over Kortijk.
As a result, Charleroi have a six point cushion with four games to go.
Alaa Aldeen Hassan hands Al-Arabi silverware
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