The Palestinian national soccer team beat an SA Invitation XI 1-0 at a packed Athlone Stadium, on Sunday February 18, to lift the Freedom Cup. The visitors’ win follows defeat by a similar margin against a Western Cape XI, in the first of two Football 4 Humanity matches, played at the same venue, the previous week, on Sunday February 11. Last week’s opening match saw more than 17 000 fill up the stadium, with Sunday’s match attracting an even bigger crowd.
SA X1 coach, Jomo Sono, first from left, with his technical support staff and the reserve bench keep a close eye on the action during Sunday’ Freedom Cup between the Palestinian national team and an SA Invitational X1. Picture: Fuad EsackDesperate defence by the SA Invitational X1 as centre back Bongani Fakudi, watches in disbelief as the ball shoots past him following a strike by Palestinian danger man, Anas Baniowda. Picture: Fuad EsackPalestine’s Sadeq Obaid looks to spread the ball during Sunday’s Freedom Cup match, at Athlone Stadium. Picture: Fuad EsackMohammed Sanduka and Bogani Fanduka tussle for possession during their side’s Freedon Cup match, at Athlone Stadium, on Sunday. Picture: Fuad EsackPalestine’s Shaer Taweel clears the ball under pressure during his side’s match against an SA Invitational X1, at Athlone Stadium, on Sunday. Picture: Fuad Esack.Wajdi Mohammed slips past his marker during Sunday’s match between the Palestinian national team and an SA Invitational X1. Picture: Fuad EsackThe SA Invitational X1 defence are tested in the air during Sunday’s Freedom Cup, at Athlone Stadium. Picture: Fuad EsackSA under pressure in front of goal during Sunday’ match against Palestine. Picture: Fuad EsackSA Invitational X1 coach, Jomo Sono with technical staffers, Coke Cup winning coach, Diadora FC’s Mangaliso “Shakes Ntombana”, left and acclaimed goalkeeper coach Farouk Abrahams, following Sunday’s Freedom Cup. Picture: Fuad EsackPalestine’s Bashar Shobaki, acknowledges the crowd, following his side’s 1-0 win against an SA Invitational side, at Athlone Stadium, on Sunday. Picture: Fuad EsackCape Town deputy mayor Eddie Andrews, Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub, third from left and Safa president Danny Jordaan, flanked by South Africa and Palestine players, Clayton Daniels and Layth Kharoub, at Sunday’s post-match presentation.The Palestinan national team in celebratory mood following their 1-0 win against an SA Invitational team, at Athlone Stadium. Picture: Fuad Esack
