Gaza blockade lift allows Palestinian team to unite - AFC

SINGAPORE, Oct 11 (Reuters) A trio of Palestinian internationals have joined their team for today's Asian Cup qualifier against China after Israeli authorities lifted a blockade on Gaza, the Asian Football Confederation has reported.

The lift of the blockade allowed skipper Saeb Jendeya, Hamada Eshbair and Ihmeidan Barrbakh to leave for match venue Amman via Cairo through the Rafah checkpoint, the AFC said on its Web site (www.the-afc.com).

The three players will arrive in Amman just in time for the match late today, according to the report.

''It is a very difficult and long trip (from Gaza to Amman) but the joy of linking up with our team mates in the national team and try to get a good result is the source of our happiness,'' Jendeya said.

Palestine, who drew with Iraq 2-2 in the previous round of qualifiers, have four points and are at the foot of Group E behind Singapore on goal difference.

Iraq, who play Singapore today, lead the group on seven points ahead of China on goals scored.

REUTERS PDS BST0937