While the rest of the leagues in the Middle East are on hold due to the international break, the West Bank Premier League continued uninterruptedly and held two matchdays in the past week.
Trying to win the title after 10 years. Shehab Qunbar from Jabel Mukaber (Photo: Shurooq al-Sharif)
On Wednesday, Hilal Al-Quds, who lost the Jerusalem Derby to Jabel Mukaber last week, lost again, this time 0-2 to the reigning champions, Shabab Merkaz Balata, in the city of Nablus.
The Nablusians scored via Ashraf Nu’man and Atef Abu-Bilal, and although Hilal’s youngsters fought hard, they listed a second straight loss. The Jerusalemites struggled in their weekend game against Tubas but managed to get a 1-1 draw with Tubas. Al-Hilal will have to collect points in the next games and regain confidence; otherwise, this season can turn into a real nightmare for the team that only two years ago ruled the league without any effort.
Meanwhile, their rivals Balata and Mukaber kept winning. Mukaber have beaten Taraji Wad Al-Nes, who looks like definitive relegation material. Balata added another victory against Shabab Al-Samu, and now the two lead the table with 10 points and no losses.
Jabel Mukaber is aiming for big things this season. The club wants to win its first league title since 2010. Balata is looking to continue their form from last season, now strengthen with veterans such as Nu’man and Abu Bilal.
Hilal Al-Quds and Shabab Al-Khaleel, the traditional giants of Palestinian football, are in trouble. Can they twist things as the West Bank season goes on?
Can Jabel Mukaber make it this time? (Photo: Shurooq al-Sharif)
Photos by Shooruq al-Sharif. Follow her on Instagram.
