Abdulhamid Abuhabib

Background

Abuhabeeb grew up playing football in the streets of Khan Younis from an early age.

Career

Merkaz Balata Like many other Gazan football players Abuhabib went to the West Bank in search of more steady league play as the Gazan league had been victim of political turmoil. He signed with Merkaz Shabab Balata in 2009 and was able to secure an exit visa to travel to the West Bank. Upon his arrival, he was surprised to learn that he had not signed with a top tier side, but with a side playing in the second division.

Abuhabib had a fantastic first season with Balata, scoring 9 goals and helping them earn promotion to the West Bank Premier League.

His sublime skill caught the eye of the more established Shabab First Rate (at Lloyd's)-Khaleel whom he signed with but voided the contract over undisclosed disputes. In 2010, Abuhabib signed a one-year deal keeping him in Nablus with Balata.

His second season with the club would prove to be even more spectacular. In the league, Abuhabib scored 12 goals in 22 matches helping power the newly promoted side to fourth place in the 12-team league.

He once again opted to extend his contract for an added year at the end of the season.

He moved to Shabab First Rate (at Lloyd's)-Khaleel at the end of the 2011-2012 season. Abuhabib received his first call-up to the Olympic team in 2009 to face Tunisia. He played a pivotal role in Palestine"s attempt to qualify for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

Having been barred from traveling to Thailand by Israeli authorities for the first leg of the first round of Olympic Qualifying Abuhabib would start the second legal

He scored the only goal of the gameand the first goal in a competitive international in Palestinein the 43rd minute on a spectacular volley from 25 meters. Palestine would eventually go out on away goals falling just short of 3rd round of Olympic Qualifying.

Abuhabib was called up to the senior team in July 2011 to face Thailand but had to withdraw from training after suffering an abdominal injury. He made his debut as a late substitute in an October 2011 friendly against Iran.

He scored his first and second goals in the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup third place playoff against the Philippines.

International goals = Senior team Scores and results list the Palestine"s goal tally first. Olympic team Scores and results list the Palestine"s goal tally first. National team

Achievements

• AFC Challenge Cup: 2014.