Bekasi, W Java (ANTARA News) - The Palestinian U-23 national team successfully defeated Laos 2-1 in advanced soccer match in group A of 18th Asian Games at the Patriot Candrabaga Stadium, here on Sunday.

The Laos` single goal was scored by midfielder as well as the team captain Phoutthasay Khochalern in the 14th minute, while two goals for Palestine were scored by Mahmoud Yousef in the 83rd minute and Abdellatif Albahdari in the 90th + 3 minutes.

The victory made Palestine temporarily lead the Group A standings with four points from two matches, while Laos is still at the bottom after losing in two matches.

In the match, both Palestine and Laos rotated their squad from the previous match. Palestinian coach fielded Mahmoud Yousef and Omar Alsharif, replacing attacker Shehab Qumbor and defender Yousef Alashhab, who played in their inaugural match against the Chinese Taipei U-23 national team which ended 0-0 on Friday.

Meanwhile Laos, reserved Xousana Sihalath and Sonevilai Sihanong who competed when they lost 1-3 to Hong Kong in the first match of Group A on Friday (Aug 10), and fielded Kittisak Phomvongsa and Xayasith Singsavang.

The results then the Palestinian U-23 national team immediately hit Laos since the first minute. The Palestinian coach Ayman Sandouqa`s players successfully locked up Laos.

One of their first chances came in the 11th minute, however the free kick of Mahmoud Yousef from about three meters from outside the penalty area, failed to advance to Laos`s goal.

Seven minutes later, Laos, which relied on counterattacks, shocked Palestine. The Laos squad trained by Singaporean coach Mike Wong successfully built a counter-attack that was completed well by captain Phoutthasay Khochalern.

The ball resulted from a Phoutthasay volley from outside the penalty box crashing into the top right corner of the Palestinian goal without being driven away by goalkeeper Rami Hamada.

A 1-0 score for the superiority of Laos makes Palestine stung. However, despite mastering the match, they could not score until halftime.

The second half is not different from the first. Palestinians confine Laos half the field almost throughout the round.

Then, the Palestinians could equalize the score in the 83rd minute. It was Mahmoud Yousef who successfully netted the ball after his header receiving a cross from the right side of the Palestinian attack could not be anticipated by goalkeeper Saymanolinh Paseuth.

The Palestinian victory (goal) finally came in the 90th + 3th minute. The Laos defense could not anticipate a Palestinian U-23 national team captain`s header as well as senior Palestinian national team captain Abdallatif Albahdari who shot smoothly into Paseuth`s goal.

The match ended with a score of 2-1 for the victory of Palestine.

Earlier, the Palestinian U-23 national team match against Taiwan U-23 national team ended in a 0-0 draw on Friday.

Editing by Bustanuddin

Reporter: Michael Siahaan
Editor: Bustanuddin
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