India in talks with Palestine for two international friendlies in October

India to play two friendlies in October; Photo Credit: AIFF Media

The AIFF are in talks with the Palestine Football Association to have two international friendlies in October, Sportskeeda can reveal.

The two matches are likely to be played at the Kanchenjunga Stadium in Siliguri, which also hosted India’s friendlies against Philippines and Nepal last year.

AIFF general secretary Kushal Das told Sportskeeda, “We have an offer for two friendlies from Palestine. If finalised, the matches could take place in Siliguri. We are yet to figure out on whether there is an issue of Palestine coming to India because of the current problems (in Gaza).”

Palestine recently won the 2014 AFC Challenge Cup without conceding a goal and qualified for the Asian Cup for the first time in their history. They have been drawn in Group D of the 2015 Asian Cup in Australia alongside Iraq, Jordan and holders Japan.

Palestine is currently placed 57 spots above India in the FIFA Rankings at 94 and they are tenth in Asia. India hosted Palestine in an international friendly back in February 2013 in Kochi. Wim Koevermans’ side led 2-1 at the interval but lost 2-4 in the end with Palestine’s Ashraf Nu’man bagging a hattrick.

The West Asian nation needs international exposure for their Asian Cup preparations while India have played just one match in this calendar year. They drew 2-2 with neighbours Bangladesh in Goa back in March.

Koevermans was keen on playing a higher-ranked opponent and so if the talks get finalised, his team will be in action against a nation that will be playing in next year’s Asian Cup.