UAE Pro League review: Iniesta denied dream home debut by Ajman

UAE Pro League review: Iniesta denied dream home debut by Ajman
Iniesta was denied a dream home debut for Emirates against Ajman (UAE Pro League)
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Updated 28 August 2023
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UAE Pro League review: Iniesta denied dream home debut by Ajman

UAE Pro League review: Iniesta denied dream home debut by Ajman
  • Al-Wahda claim Abu Dhabi derby spoils with 2-1 win over Al-Jazira

Abu Dhabi: Emirates Club superstar Andres Iniesta was denied victory in an enthralling contest against Ajman, Al-Wahda reigned supreme in the capital, and Al-Wasl inflicted defeat on inconsistent Sharjah in an engrossing ADNOC Pro League matchweek two.

Friday night’s roaring start witnessed the ex-Spain and Barcelona legend slot home a 94th-minute penalty to put promoted Emirates 4-3 ahead amid fevered scenes after being 3-1 down at half-time, only for nerveless Bahrain winger Ali Madan to spoil the party with a 105th-minute spot-kick of his own to secure Ajman’s 4-4 draw.

The Abu Dhabi Derby spoils, meanwhile, were earned by Pitso Mosimane’s measured Al-Wahda, courtesy of Brazil defensive midfielder Fernando’s own goal in a 2-1 victory at neighbours Al-Jazira.

Sunday’s denouement featured a 3-1 triumph for Al-Wasl at star-studded Sharjah, which saw a composed opening goal in yellow for Switzerland center forward Haris Seferovic, and returning star Caio Canedo’s first effort for the club since May 2019.

Elsewhere among probable title contenders, last season’s 28-goal leading marksman Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba opened his 2023 to 2024 account with a poacher’s double as Al-Ain beat First Division League champions Hatta 2-0, while holders Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club eased past Khor Fakkan 2-1.

French striker Youssoufou Niakate made it three goals in two matches when Baniyas downed bottom-placed Al-Nasr 4-2, while Mirel Radoi’s Al-Bataeh and Al-Ittihad Kalba played out a goalless stalemate.

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

Player of the week: Andres Iniesta (Emirates Club)

It was, almost, the perfect home debut for Iniesta.

So much is expected of the 39-year-old – from both his new employers, plus the wider UAE game. An Emirates Club Stadium packed with local fans and first-time visitors in Spain or Barcelona shirts came to witness the great man’s opening steps on home soil.

Disappointment, then, was felt everywhere except among the Ajman team and fans when Madan levelled from 12 yards deep into added time. A storybook comeback win sealed by Iniesta, and celebrated vociferously by his watching family, would have gone viral around the globe.

Emirates and Iniesta, however, can be buoyed by the grit and attacking intent exhibited. This followed a commendable 1-0 reversal at Al-Wasl for the predicted relegation battlers.

The evergreen Iniesta shook off the ring rust gained in his innocuous final days at Japan’s Vissel Kobe, being ubiquitous amid punishing late-summer conditions.

An eventful run-out contained a second-minute assist for Lithierry’s header via a free-kick, the frustration of seeing this lead evaporate, rattling the crossbar himself with a second-half set-piece and the goal which appeared to have secured Emirates’ first top-flight win since March 2022.

Iniesta is present to provide star dust to a promoted side badly in need of it.

Unsurprisingly, he produced zero tackles, interceptions, or clearances from center midfield in a familiar 4-3-3 formation. Yet, his goal, assist, and two key passes point to an extant attacking threat.

Excitement already surrounds his next top-flight run-out at Khor Fakkan in a month’s time.

Goal of the week: Youssoufou Niakate (Baniyas)

One signing can change everything.

And this appears to have been the case for Baniyas. Their pre-season procurement of Al-Ettifaq forward Niakate has provided the club with a striker glaringly absent since the then Al-Dhafra loanee Joao Pedro fired them to a shock second place in the 2020 to 2021 season.

In the intervening campaigns, Sweden’s Isaac Thelin netted only six times in 17 matches and Palmeiras loanee Rafael Elias struck four goals in 16 games. They slumped from runners-up, to ninth, and 11th.

Niakate, in contrast, is averaging a goal every 60 minutes and sits joint top of the scoring charts on three alongside the epochal Ali Mabkhout. This winning brace featured an effort rich in promise.

A rollercoaster opening 20 minutes at Baniyas Stadium was capped off by Albania forward Taulant Seferi rolling a hopeful pass toward the penalty box, ex-Portugal under-21 midfielder Francisco Geraldes following with a befuddling step over, and Niakate sweeping home the low finish. This was a trio of summer additions making it 2-2 via an electric combination.

No wonder Niakate and Baniyas feel buoyant.

Coach of the week: Pitso Mosimane (Al-Wahda)

Al-Wahda have a natural-born winner on their hands.

Mosimane’s reputation as a triple CAF Champions League victor and the man who led listless Al-Ahli back to the Roshn Saudi League was dented, somewhat, by an opening home loss to Al-Bataeh for his latest assignment in the ADNOC Pro League.

But any concerns have now been pushed to one side after the dogged derby victory at Al-Jazira.

Al-Wahda simply got the job done against Frank de Boer’s hosts who dominated possession (64 percent to 36 percent), passes (522 to 306), and attempts on goal (13 to seven). The statistics, however, did not paint a true picture of the game.

Blunt Al-Jazira failed to generate any clear-cut chances, with their penalty coming from a misplaced pass in midfield. The visitors would profit via center-back Alaeddine Zouhir’s near-post header from a corner and Fernando’s own goal from Allan’s deep free-kick.

This season may not be pretty from Al-Wahda, but it will probably be effective.

Is Cosmin Olaroiu the problem or solution for Sharjah?

Olaroiu’s Sharjah are such a tricky beast to assess.

Their vaunted line-up which boasted Miralem Pjanic, Paco Alcacer, and Kostas Manolas, plus a host of UAE internationals, trundled home seventh last term, when the title was held as a given. But they rebounded with a remarkable four cup successes.

This staccato story is repeating itself. Last Tuesday’s resolute AFC Champions League play-off victory at Iran’s Tractor in front of 80,898 partisan supporters was followed by Sunday’s meek ADNOC Pro League capitulation at Sharjah Stadium to Al-Wasl.

Does Olaroiu – a serial league winner in Romania, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China – still have what it takes to inspire top-flight supremacy? Is Sharjah’s ageing squad the wrong profile for a long slog, but perfect for cup glory?

The answers will emerge in the intriguing months ahead.


Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’

Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’
Updated 29 September 2023
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Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’

Man Utd’s Martinez ruled out for ‘extended period’
  • Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April
  • Defender Sergio Reguilon will miss the game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford

LONDON: Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez has been ruled out for an “extended period” after aggravating a foot injury he suffered last season.
Martinez was sidelined for around two months when he sustained a fractured metatarsal in United’s Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla in April.
The Argentina center-back is now likely to be out of action for a similar period after United confirmed the foot problem is still an issue.
“Lisandro Martinez will be out of action for an extended period due to an aggravation of the foot injury he suffered in April,” a statement said.
“The Argentinian defender experienced the setback in our Premier League game against Arsenal earlier this month.
“Martinez bravely continued playing for the following two games against Brighton and Bayern Munich.
“But it has now been determined that he needs a period on the sidelines for recovery and rehabilitation. Assessment is ongoing to decide next steps.”
Adding to United boss Erik ten Hag’s problems, the club also confirmed that defender Sergio Reguilon will miss the game against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford on Saturday with a “minor injury.”


Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach

Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach
Updated 29 September 2023
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Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach

Abu Dhabi preseason games key to building championship-winning habits, says Dallas Mavericks’ head coach
  • Dallas Mavericks take on Minnesota Timberwolves in two games as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023

Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd says his team will look to build “championship habits” when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in two preseason games as part of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ.

The matchups are scheduled for Oct. 5 and 7 at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island and mark the second consecutive year the NBA, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, is hosting preseason games in the UAE capital.

“In both games, we will bring our competitive spirit to the court,” said Kidd, a 10-time NBA All-Star. “It’s all about improvement and developing championship habits. Our visit to Abu Dhabi provides a unique opportunity to cultivate those championship habits, and we are fully committed to doing just that.”

Reflecting on the previous season’s disappointing conclusion, which saw the Mavericks finish with a losing record for the first time since 2018-19, Kidd added: “We didn’t finish the previous season as we had hoped, but with a fresh start ahead, including a training camp and a full season, we anticipate stronger team chemistry, also between Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic. Our primary focus is to build a championship-caliber team, and that requires adhering to the championship ethos while assembling the right pieces around Kyrie and Luka. The ultimate goal is to win the championship.”

The NBA’s partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi aims to promote basketball in the Middle East and foster local talent. Kidd, a two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist, is aware of the sport and its standing outside the US.

“When it comes to basketball, the NBA has made significant investments in the game’s development,” Kidd said. “I firmly believe that, given time and resources, we will see players from the Middle East make it to the NBA. This transformation won’t happen overnight, but I envision a future where every country in the world produces an NBA player.”

In addition to the games themselves, the Abu Dhabi experience offers players and teams an opportunity to explore what the UAE capital has to offer.

“We are excited to visit Abu Dhabi and discover a different part of the world,” said Kidd. “Basketball not only unites us on the court, but also opens doors to experiencing new cultures, cuisines, and languages. This presents a fantastic opportunity for those who have not yet explored the Middle East to embrace these enriching aspects.”

Tickets for the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2023 presented by ADQ can be purchased at etihadarena.ae and ticketmaster.ae.


Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 

Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 
Updated 29 September 2023
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Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 

Indonesia ready to face Saudi squad at Futsal Asian Cup qualifier 
  • Saudi Arabia will play Indonesia in Dammam on Oct. 11 
  • Indonesia head coach says Saudi futsal league can become ‘best in the world’ 

JAKARTA: Indonesia is preparing to face Saudi Arabia in the AFC Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, the national team’s head coach said on Friday, as the team arrived in the Kingdom for the competition starting next week. 

The AFC Futsal Asian Cup is the biennial international futsal championship organized by the Asian Football Confederation for the men’s national teams of Asia. Its 17th edition is going to be held in Thailand in April next year. 

Sixteen teams are competing in the tournament and the top four will qualify for the 2024 FIFA Futsal World Cup in Uzbekistan. 

Indonesia is in Group B, together with the hosts and the national teams of Afghanistan and Macau. All Group B matches will be held at Green Hall Sports City in Dammam from Oct. 7 to Oct. 11. 

Marcos Sorato, the Indonesian team’s Brazilian head coach, said they had been training very hard ahead of the competition. 

“We are very happy to be here, and we will do our best for Indonesian futsal,” Sorato told Arab News over the phone from Dammam. “We are representing Indonesia’s futsal, the players, staff and fans.” 

Indonesia will play Macau on Oct. 7 and Afghanistan on Oct. 9. They will face Saudi Arabia on the last day of the competition. 

Sorato expected Saudi Arabia to be Indonesia’s toughest opponent, as the team have been doing “a great job” under their Spanish head coach Andreu Plaza. 

“They are doing great,” he said. “They are the strongest national team in our group.” 

He sees a bright future not only for the Kingdom’s side but also for the whole league. 

“Saudi Arabia’s futsal league can be the best in the world if there is investment and support,” he said. 

“The league is very good today, (with) 20 clubs. I’m sure it will be a great league in the next years.” 

Sorato was appointed the head coach of the Indonesian National Futsal Team in August. 

Previously serving as an assistant and head coach of Brazil, he steered his team to victory in the Futsal World Cup in 2008 and 2012. 


Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC

Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC
Updated 29 September 2023
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Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC

Olympics-No restrictions on hijab in Paris 2024 Games’ athletes village-IOC
  • The sports competitions at the Olympics are organized and overseen by the individual international sports federations
  • There are 32 sports on the program of the Paris Games

BERLIN: Athletes can wear a hijab in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games athletes’ village without any restriction, the International Olympic Committee said on Friday, days after France’s sports minister banned it for the host country’s athletes.
The Olympic body also said it needed to better understand the situation in France and had been in contact with the French Olympic Committee (CNOSF).
French Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said on Sunday French athletes would be barred from wearing a hijab during the Paris Games to respect principles of secularism.
“For the Olympic Village, the IOC rules apply,” an IOC spokesperson said. “There are no restrictions on wearing the hijab or any other religious or cultural attire.”
The vast majority of the approximately 10,000 athletes at Olympic Games reside in apartments in the Olympic village and share common spaces, including dining halls and recreational areas.
“When it comes to competitions, the regulations set by the relevant International Federation (IF) apply,” the IOC spokesperson said.
The sports competitions at the Olympics are organized and overseen by the individual international sports federations.
There are 32 sports on the program of the Paris Games.
“Since this French regulation relates to the members of the French team only, we are in contact with the CNOSF to further understand the situation regarding the French athletes,” the spokesperson said.
Home to one of Europe’s largest Muslim minorities, France has implemented laws designed to protect its strict form of secularism, known as “laicité,” which President Emmanuel Macron has said is under threat from Islamism.
Some Muslim associations and human rights groups allege those laws have targeted Muslims, chipped away at democratic protections and left them vulnerable to abuse.
The French decision to bar its athletes from wearing a hijab was criticized by the United Nations human rights office this week.
Paris will host the Summer Olympics from July 26 to Aug. 11 next year.


Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah  

Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah   
Bryson DeChambeau is targeting LIV Golf success in Jeddah. (LIV Golf)
Updated 29 September 2023
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Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah  

Bryson DeChambeau plans to chase down Cameron Smith and Talor Gooch with glory at LIV Golf Jeddah   
  • US star playing the most consistent golf of his life with ‘momentum like a train’ following another win in Chicago
  • Individual Champion, Team Championship Seeds, and securing 2024 League Spots all on the line at Royal Greens Golf & Country Club Oct. 13-15

JEDDAH: In-form Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau is relishing a chance to capture another title at the upcoming regular-season finale at LIV Golf Jeddah presented by ROSHN.

The big-hitting superstar and 2020 US Open winner is aiming to become the 2023 LIV Golf Individual Champion in Saudi Arabia — and heads to the Middle East full of confidence following a late surge that saw victory in LIV Golf Chicago in the last event.

DeChambeau is on a run of hot form this summer — the highlight including becoming the fourth player on a top-level tour to shoot 58, to capture his first LIV Golf title at Greenbrier in August.

“Anytime you can get in the winner’s circle is pretty special and makes all the hard work worth it for sure,” said DeChambeau.

“I would probably say I’m playing the most consistent good golf of my life. When I shot 58 earlier this year that was probably the best golf I’ve ever played and along when I won the US Open. It’s fair to say this little stretch has been pretty sweet for me. Let’s hope it continues in Jeddah and beyond.

“It’s a cliche but I just kept trying to hit as many fairways as I could and hit the irons close and make some putts. When I’m on a roll like that, I get serious momentum like a train and it’s hard to stop. You just have to take advantage of moments when you’re in the zone like that as it doesn’t happen often,” he added.

Ripper GC Captain Cameron Smith and RangeGoats GC star Talor Gooch are the only other golfers with a mathematical chance of claiming the title, which will be decided in Jeddah at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club.

Australian star Smith tops the Individual standings with 170 points, while Gooch is at 162 points and DeChambeau at 146 points following his victory Sunday at LIV Golf Chicago.

Added DeChambeau: “Both Cam and Talor are world-class players — they’ve been on fire throughout this LIV Golf season with multiple wins and some unbelievable rounds. But I’ll keep pushing and put some pressure on them in Jeddah where the individual title will be won or lost.

“I’ve played at Royal Greens in Jeddah a few times now. I know the course pretty well — definitely holes that are gettable. But it gets really windy and tricky, which makes it a really solid test. There’s some beautiful holes right by the Red Sea — 16, 17, 18 are great closing holes and can bring plenty of drama. This is the business end of our season and you’ve got to make a bunch of putts and go low to keep competing,” said DeChambeau.

“I’m a few points behind so will need things to go my way. Me and my team will go hard — excited to see what we can make happen.”

The Jeddah tournament is the final opportunity to secure points in the individual standings for all 48 players. Those who finish in the top 24 in the overall standings will lock-in their position in the LIV Golf League for the next season.

Players finishing in the “Open Zone” —  positions 25 to 44 — however, may face trade or release by their respective teams. Meanwhile, those finishing in positions 45 and below sitting in the “Drop Zone” will be relegated and will automatically qualify for the league’s promotional tournament, where they will have the opportunity to earn their spot back for the 2024 season.