Abdelhamid Abuhabib
Abdelhamid Abuhabib is a Palestinian footballer currently playing for Hebron-based Shabab Al-Khaleel of the West Bank Premier League.
Abuhabeeb grew up playing football in the streets of Khan Younis from an early age.[citation needed]
Merkaz Balata
Like many other Gazan footballers, 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 Al-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.
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.[citation needed] Abuhabib also played in the next round against Bahrain helping Palestine win 0–1 in Manama. Palestine would eventually go out on away goals falling short of 3rd round of Olympic Qualifying.[citation needed] Abuhabib 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.[citation needed]
