UAE Pro League: Stalemates at the top as Shabab Al-Ahli maintain lead

UAE Pro League: Stalemates at the top as Shabab Al-Ahli maintain lead
Al-Wasl's Fabio Lima (right) celebrates scoring against Al-Wahda (Twitter/@UAEProLeague)
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Updated 29 January 2023

UAE Pro League: Stalemates at the top as Shabab Al-Ahli maintain lead

UAE Pro League: Stalemates at the top as Shabab Al-Ahli maintain lead
  • Leaders draw 0-0 in Sharjah, while Al-Wahda and Al-Wasl play out 3-3 cracker

 

DUBAI: Spoils were shared in contrasting meetings when the ADNOC Pro League’s top four all clashed, and fallen giants Al-Nasr recorded a vital victory in their shock fight against relegation.

Saturday’s helter-skelter matchweek 14 finale witnessed Al-Wahda and Al-Wasl play out a thrilling 3-3 draw, settled in the final throes by UAE veteran Sebastian Tagliabue’s penalty for the hosts.

A more mundane affair had played out in Friday’s goalless summit meeting between second-placed Sharjah and leaders Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club.

At the opposite end of the table, Morocco playmaker Adel Taarabt headed home the only goal when third-bottom Al-Nasr beat second-bottom Al-Dhafra to open up a four-point buffer to safety.

Gaston Alvarez’s wonder strike earned a 2-1 triumph for the 10-men of Baniyas at a sodden Khor Fakkan; Ittihad Kalba — who had Abdulaziz Al-Hamhami dismissed — collapsed to a 2-2 draw versus promoted Al-Bataeh courtesy of two late spot-kicks; and Al-Jazira icon Ali Mabkhout converted from 12 yards as they edged bottom-placed Dibba Al-Fujairah 1-0.

Inconsistent holders Al-Ain exhibited the imperious form of old in their 5-1 dismantling of Ajman, fuelled by braces from Ukraine maestro Andriy Yarmolenko and unstoppable Togo striker Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba.

Here are Arab News’ top picks and a talking point from the latest action.

 

Player of the Week — Fabio De Lima (Al-Wasl)

A big performance, in a big match, from the peerless Fabio De Lima.

The UAE forward produced a pair of equalizers to make it 2-2 in Abu Dhabi. A scruffy first was indebted to a generous deflection off Al-Wahda goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Shamsi’s legs, but his athletic jump and precise header for the second spoke of innate ability.

He then teed up ex-Argentina youth international Tomas Chancalay moments later for his superb 83rd-minute effort from distance. This season’s fourth-placed dark horses believed they had gained an epic victory, only for Tagliabue’s penalty 10 minutes later to put paid to that thought.

However, it should not detract from another sublime display by one of the professional era’s defining players.

De Lima was an unknown Brazilian attacker, barely out of his teens, when he joined Al-Wasl on loan in July 2014.

He now stands as an established, 29-year-old UAE international, with 141 top-flight goals in 181 run-outs. Only Mabkhout (196), Tagliabue (176) and fellow Al-Wasl legend Fahd Khamees (175) have registered more.

Few predicted a title chase for Al-Wasl when 2022-23 began with a torrent of stellar signings, across the division. Yet, the Dubai club’s summer hire of ex-Saudi Arabia tactician Juan Antonio Pizzi looks the most astute.

De Lima is, unquestionably, the fulcrum during this unlikely pursuit of a first top-flight title in 16 years.

 

Goal of the Week — Gaston Suarez (Baniyas)

A reminder of enduring class, propelled from 30 yards.

Ninth-placed Baniyas’ innocuous season has owed much to perennial failings at center forward. Plus, surprising anonymity from their typically influential Argentines.

Nicolas Gimenez and Gaston Suarez helped fuel the 2020-21 campaign’s unforeseen near miss for the title, then were rare beacons of light in the dreary season which followed. They had both, though, been dragged back to the median this term.

It was not the case at Saqr bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi Stadium where Jimenez scored a penalty and Suarez struck from range.

With the rain bucketing down, Suarez took one touch to tee himself up 30 yards from goal and unleashed a firecracker which swerved into the top corner.

This was a vital intervention. Full-back Joao Victor was soon sent off and Angola striker Fabio Abreu netted to give the hosts hope.

 

Coach of the Week — Goran Tomic (Al-Nasr)

It was a case of “better late than never” for Al-Nasr’s Croatian supremo.

Tomic, finally, tasted top-flight victory at the fifth time of asking, in a contest from which the UAE’s oldest club could not countenance defeat.

Such a reversal would have sent them tumbling into the relegation places. Even a draw would have kept the gap at an increasingly uncomfortable one point to a Al-Dhafra side who appear inspired by the January additions of Bulgaria midfielder Georgi Milanov and bustling Brazilian center forward Tiago Leonco.

But a disciplined Al-Nasr appeared at a nervous Al-Maktoum Stadium. They restricted the visitors to zero shots on target and 43 percent possession, with this first league clean sheet of Tomic’s era gaining full reward after Taarabt’s fortuitous effort.

Ailing Ajman and Khor Fakkan are up next, before next mid February’s Bur Dubai Derby with Al-Wasl. Momentum must be turned into more points.

 

Are we belatedly beginning to see the real Yarmolenko?

It is not unfair to say the season has not turned out as expected for both champions Al-Ain and their marquee pre-season addition.

Global headlines were written when Yarmolenko reunited with compatriot Serhiy Rebrov in the Garden City. This closed the chapter — for now — on a European club career spent at Dynamo Kiev, Borussia Dortmund and West Ham United.

It also began a flood of incredible additions by UAE clubs.

The enigmatic Yarmolenko had, however, failed to convert reputation into consistent excellence during the first half of an often-troubled season. Disquiet was posted by venting fans online and rumors emerged of interest from Turkish Super Lig winners Trabzonspor.

But a sea change appears under way for 2023. It is one which could yet turn his procurement into a bountiful success.

His brace versus Ajman made it three strikes in two matches — one fewer than his total from the preceding 12 top-flight run-outs. That is now eight goals in two games from Al-Ain, who have emphatically snapped a draining three-match run of draws.

This round’s pair of stalemates at the top show there is no clear title favorite. Could an improved Yarmolenko inspire Al-Ain to strike from sixth, now just four points off the pace?


Piquet fined for racist comments about Hamilton

Piquet fined for racist comments about Hamilton
Updated 8 sec ago

Piquet fined for racist comments about Hamilton

Piquet fined for racist comments about Hamilton
  • The 70-year-old Brazilian had referred to seven-time champion Hamilton as “neguinho,” a racially offensive term which means “little Black guy,” in 2021
  • In their complaint, the human rights groups said that Piquet violated the norm of human dignity enshrined in the country’s constitution

RIO DE JANEIRO: Retired Formula One champion Nelson Piquet has been ordered by a Brazilian court to pay $950,000 in “moral damages” for making racist comments about Lewis Hamilton.
The 70-year-old Brazilian had referred to seven-time champion Hamilton as “neguinho,” a racially offensive term which means “little Black guy,” in 2021. In another interview, Piquet used racist and offensive language.
The court in Brasilia on Friday ordered Piquet to pay 5 million Brazilian reals “in collective moral damages, to be allocated to funds for the promotion of racial equality and against discrimination of the pride community.”
The charges were filed by several human rights groups.
In their complaint, the human rights groups said that Piquet violated the norm of human dignity enshrined in the country’s constitution. The judge said Piquet’s comments corresponded to the definition of racial discrimination outlined in Brazil’s 2010 Statute of Racial Equality.
Hamilton had condemned “archaic mindsets,” and the Mercedes driver said he had been “surrounded by these attitudes and targeted (my) whole life.” He is the only Black driver in F1 and received honorary citizenship from Brazil last year.
Piquet, who won three F1 titles in the 1980s, was discussing a crash between Hamilton and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen that took place during the British Grand Prix in 2021. His daughter Kelly Piquet is Verstappen’s girlfriend.
Piquet later apologized in a statement for the “ill thought out” racial term but said it “is one that has widely and historically been used colloquially in Brazilian Portuguese as a synonym for ‘guy’ or ‘person’ and was never intended to offend.”
In his decision, judge Pedro Matos de Arruda said “subtlety is one of the characteristics of contemporary Brazilian racism” and that the word is “not an affectionate nickname.”
Piquet had used racist language in the other interview when discussing Hamilton missing out on a previous championship.
The retired driver has the right to appeal the ruling.
Piquet had angered some F1 fans for his support of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro. He donated about $95,000 to Bolsonaro’s failed re-election bid.


Ushba Tesoro wins Dubai World Cup for Japan

Ushba Tesoro produced a remarkable run to come from the back of the field under jockey Yuga Kawada and win the Dubai World Cup
Ushba Tesoro produced a remarkable run to come from the back of the field under jockey Yuga Kawada and win the Dubai World Cup
Updated 49 min 1 sec ago

Ushba Tesoro wins Dubai World Cup for Japan

Ushba Tesoro produced a remarkable run to come from the back of the field under jockey Yuga Kawada and win the Dubai World Cup
  • 6-year-old Ushba Tesoro, who had won five of his six starts since being switched to the dirt, ran down Doyle’s mount to win

DUBAI: Ushba Tesoro produced a remarkable run to come from the back of the field under jockey Yuga Kawada and win the $12 million Dubai World Cup for Japan on Saturday.
“I’m very proud of my horse and myself for winning the greatest race in the world,” Kawada said.
Bendoog looked comfortable under Christophe Soumillon with Saudi Cup winner Panthalassa, who had been drawn wide, in company early on in the 10-furlong (2,000-meter) showpiece.
When they turned for home, James Doyle aboard the Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Algiers looked the likely winner and went a length clear with 1 1/2 furlongs left.
But the 6-year-old Ushba Tesoro, who had won five of his six starts since being switched to the dirt, ran down Doyle’s mount to win going away by 2 3/4 lengths. It was Japan’s second success in the race, following Victoire Pisa in 2011.
“I thought he would be in with a chance at the 100-meter mark," winning trainer Noboru Takagi said.
DETTORI HAT TRICK
Lord North and Frankie Dettori completed a hat trick in the Dubai Turf race when holding off the late challenge of Danon Beluga in another pulsating renewal of the Grade One contest.
The John and Thady Gosden-trained 7-year-old had dead-heated with Panthalassa in this nine-furlong contest last year, having first won it in 2021.
“It’s my farewell season and to win this on a horse that has done three years in a row is fantastic," Dettori said.


UAE team defeat Brazil to triumph at Jiu-Jitsu Championship

UAE team defeat Brazil to triumph at Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Updated 25 March 2023

UAE team defeat Brazil to triumph at Jiu-Jitsu Championship

UAE team defeat Brazil to triumph at Jiu-Jitsu Championship
  • Winners bag 12 gold, 11 silver, 11 bronze medals at tournament
  • Dubai Sports Council, Jiu-Jitsu Federation co-organized the NAS Sports Tournament under the theme ‘Limitless Abilities’

DUBAI: The UAE team emerged as winners at the Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the 10th Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament 2023, the Emirates News Agency reported on Saturday.
The Emirati team amassed 827 points to give them top spot in the countries’ rankings, ahead of Brazil, and Kazakhstan.
The UAE athletes clinched 12 gold, 11 silver and 11 bronze medals.
The Dubai Sports Council and the UAE’s Jiu-Jitsu Federation co-organized the NAS Sports Tournament under the theme “Limitless Abilities.”
The Emirati team showed exceptional skill, technique, and physical prowess throughout the tournament, showcasing their ability in every fight.
The event drew athletes from various clubs and academies, who competed in juvenile, adult, and masters’ divisions in both men’s and women’s sections.
Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged as winners in the club category. The Emirati outfit dominated the competition, winning 17 medals including six golds across several categories.
Baniyas finished second after clinching 16 medals, with Sharjah Self-Defense Club finishing third after collecting 12 medals in different categories.
Alongside the UAE, Brazil and Kazakhstan, other participating countries included the Philippines, Tajikistan, Iran, France, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Russia, Uzbekistan, Syria, Jordan, the US, Peru, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, and others.


Tuchel ready for tough start at Bayern after surprise move

Tuchel ready for tough start at Bayern after surprise move
Updated 25 March 2023

Tuchel ready for tough start at Bayern after surprise move

Tuchel ready for tough start at Bayern after surprise move
  • Tuchel goes straight into crucial games, starting with German title rival — and Tuchel’s former club — Borussia Dortmund on April 1
  • Ten days later, Bayern play Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the Champions League

MUNICH: New Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged Saturday he faces a challenging start to his new job after his surprise hiring Friday to replace Julian Nagelsmann.
Tuchel goes straight into crucial games, starting with German title rival — and Tuchel’s former club — Borussia Dortmund on April 1.
“The challenge can’t be any greater,” Tuchel said.
Ten days later, Bayern play Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the Champions League.
There will be little time to rest or practice new tactics, with many Bayern players currently away with their national teams and then seven games in the first 22 days of April.
“I was relatively naive in the first conversation (with Bayern). In the first 30 seconds I didn’t know what we were discussing or what it was about,” Tuchel said.
Once it became clear Bayern wanted him to take charge immediately, “it occurred to me that it actually begins right away with Dortmund with an international break beforehand.”
Bayern against Dortmund is “the” game in German soccer, he added.
Tuchel said the move came as a surprise and that as recently as Tuesday he had no contact with Bayern. He imagined his next job would be outside of Germany, he added, but that he had been following Bayern’s season with interest.
Tuchel hasn’t worked in Germany since 2017. When he left, the only major trophy he’d won was the German Cup with Dortmund. He returns having won two French titles at Paris Saint-Germain and the Champions League and Club World Cup with Chelsea.
Bayern can still win three titles this season — the Bundesliga, the German Cup and the Champions League.
Consistency is a concern after Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn highlighted that as a reason for getting rid of Nagelsmann.
Bayern are likely to be looking for Tuchel to get the best out of players like Leroy Sané and Serge Gnabry, whose form has dropped off this season, and Sadio Mané, who has rarely been at his best in an injury-disrupted season since joining from Liverpool.
Sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić said the club backed Nagelsmann as concerns grew over the team’s performance but decided on a change at a meeting Monday, a day after a loss to Bayer Leverkusen cost Bayern the Bundesliga lead.
“When you see that this curve of performance is going down, you’re forced to react,” he said, asked if Bayern had reacted to the possibility Tuchel might take a job elsewhere. “Fortunately, there was a top option on the market and it happened quickly.”


Qatar’s Al Thani submits new $6 bln bid for Manchester United — Sky News​

Qatar’s Al Thani submits new $6 bln bid for Manchester United — Sky News​
Updated 25 March 2023

Qatar’s Al Thani submits new $6 bln bid for Manchester United — Sky News​

Qatar’s Al Thani submits new $6 bln bid for Manchester United — Sky News​

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has submitted a new bid to buy Manchester United which is believed to be worth around 5 billion pounds ($6.12 billion), Sky News reported on Saturday.
Sheikh Jassim, a son of Qatar’s former prime minister, launched the bid in February. A spokesperson representing Sheikh Jassim said at the time that the bid was completely debt free, via Sheikh Jassim’s Nine Two Foundation.
Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus also placed a bid on Thursday and told Reuters that he was willing to pay a premium for the English soccer club.
United’s current owners, the Glazer family, began looking at options for the record 20-times English champions in November, including new investment or a potential sale, 17 years after they bought the Old Trafford club.
Manchester United did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

($1 = 0.8177 pounds)