The UAE will be part of history on Tuesday when they face Palestine in the first group-stage World Cup qualifier played in the latter’s territory.
The Lions of Canaan have previously struggled to put on such matches because of Israeli sanctions restricting the movement of players between the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
This issue has been cleared for the Asian Football Confederation second-round clash with Faisal Al Husseini Stadium in Al Ram hosting the game.
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UAE coach Mahdi Ali was aware of the significance of the fixture – which is also the first time at home against a fellow Arab nation – both on and off the pitch.
He said: “The ultimate goal of the first group game in Palestine is to unite the people. We are happy with our presence in Palestine and to perform in Palestinian territories.
“I stress the importance of respecting the opponent and performing very seriously. We hope for success in the meeting.”
The visitors lead the way in Group A on goal difference after a relentless 10-0 dismantling of Malaysia last Thursday, with third-placed Palestine their main opposition for a top-two spot.
Two-legged qualification ties were played at the Faisal for the 2012 Olympic Games against Thailand and 2014 World Cup versus Afghanistan.
They were meant to play Saudi Arabia at the 12,500-capacity venue in June, but the pool match was switched to Dammam because of “exceptional circumstances”.
The Whites have a perfect record of two wins from two so far. They will need to keep up the pace versus the 119th-ranked nation, only the group winners and four best runners-up making the third round.
Ali’s men were sensational at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium against the lowly Harimau Malaya. Forwards Ahmed Khalil and Ali Mabkhout scored four and three goals respectively, while standout playmaker Omar Abdulrahman provided an incredible six assists.
Palestine warmed up in a less emphatic manner, drawing 0-0 with Lebanon in a friendly. Despite the disparity in performances, Palestine boss Abdelnasser Barakat refused to be cowed.
He said: “We don’t feel afraid of the UAE after their big win against Malaysia as the match gave us a good idea about how to face them.
Good to see them in Ramallah. First trip to Palestine ever for many if not all. #WCQ2018 #خلفك_يالأبيض #UAE pic.twitter.com/DQVfuDKW4Z
— Footynions (@footynions) September 7, 2015
“Their power is in their offence and they have many key players, such as Omar Abdulrahman, Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Khalil.
“As we are playing at home, we will try to force our own style and try to prevent them from scoring.”
The UAE’s visionary role in accepting the trip has been warmly received by Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub.
He said: “We applaud the UAE’s leadership on this matter. For the last home match and at the request of Saudi Arabia, we accepted the principle of rotation.
“We call on all Arab states, led by Saudi Arabia, to play in Palestine under the auspices of FIFA and protection of the Palestinian police.”
