National team Coach Darren Stewart says that he has seen the Palestinian side in action, noting that it would be difficult to defeat them.

Speaking to press ahead of the match, Stewart said the Palestinians were a strong side and it would be difficult to beat them.

Noting that team spirit was a key factor, he said that he had seen team spirit in his squad and that he had full confidence of the squad.

Speaking about the new players in the team, Stewart said he was not that familiar with the new players but he was ready to work with them. Noting that he was quite satisfied with the current squad, Stewart said if they were able to repeat last year’s performance, then it would be difficult to be defeated.

Stewart said that he was especially impressed with the talent shown by TC in Sheikh Kamal International Cup, Valencia and Maziya in AFC Cup, as well as the fitness of many players. He said fitness will play a key role in the outcome of the match.

Maldives will play against Palestine on March 28, at the AFC Asian Qualifying Games. The match will begin at 2100 hrs in Galolhu National Stadium. Maldives is in Group D of the qualifiers, along with Palestine, Oman and Bhutan.