UAE national team at crossroads after a mixed year

UAE national team at crossroads after a mixed year
Yahya Al-Ghassani was one of the UAE's brightest spots during 2024. (X/@UAEFNT)
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Updated 03 January 2025
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UAE national team at crossroads after a mixed year

UAE national team at crossroads after a mixed year
  • An improving 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign was followed by a disappointing 2024 Arabian Gulf Cup exit for Paulo Bento’s team

DUBAI: A mixed 2024 for Paulo Bento’s UAE ended with ample Arabian Gulf Cup angst, but signs are still apparent for a glittering 2025.

 

Al-Wasl talisman Fabio De Lima’s 95th-minute penalty miss versus Oman sealed Group A-elimination in Kuwait and made it two successive regional editions without victory. Quite the comedown for an improving side that was tipped for glory at the 26th running of the cup.

 

Winter success, though, was never the true target. A rampant November in qualifying made hopes real of earning a World Cup return for the first time since 1990.

 

Arab News assesses the highs and lows of this intriguing calendar year, plus looks to the future.

 

 

Story of 2024

 

With feet firmly through the door after his July 2023 arrival, Bento could be under no illusions about what a first full year at the helm had to produce.

 

The ex-Portugal and South Korea supremo had several core tasks. He was asked to inspire an assault on last winter’s Asian Cup and guide the UAE through a generous second-round group in World Cup 2026 qualifying.

 

In addition, he had to lay the foundation for a sustained charge at automatic entry via the third round and succeed where recent predecessors had failed in the Arabian Gulf Cup.

 

Supplementary objectives involved further defining a style of play, continuing generational change and successful integration of a growing stream of naturalized options.

 

However, tournament failures would bookend the year for the team. Asian Cup debutants Tajikistan dumped the UAE out in a frustrating round-of-16 penalty shootout, while they followed rivals Qatar onto an early flight home at the Arabian Gulf Cup.

 

In contrast, serene second-round progress in World Cup 2026 qualifying came as Group G winners, with a plus-14 goal difference.

 

Their confidence then ballooned when the third round began with a redemptive 3-1 victory at double Asian Cup kings Qatar. This would deflate during a subsequent three-match winless run, including a demoralizing 1-1 home draw to Group A’s bottom-placed North Korea.

 

November’s qualifiers had to deliver, and they did. An emphatic 3-0 victory versus Kyrgyzstan was followed by a riotous and unforgettable 5-0 thumping of Qatar, containing a super hat-trick for De Lima.

 

A three-point gap to Group A runners-up Uzbekistan with four fixtures to fulfil is tantalizing.

 

It now appears the foundations have been set for a second-ever World Cup appearance. How Bento handles the secondary challenges that appeared in 2024 will define 2025.

 

 

New leaders emerge

 

Discussions regarding Bento’s tenure have often devolved into arguments about who has not been selected, rather than on those representing their nation.

 

Record goalscorer Ali Mabkhout has not been seen since playing zero minutes at the 2023 Asian Cup. Fellow veterans Majed Hassan and Bandar Al-Ahbabi are among those enjoying evergreen campaigns for their clubs yet are still overlooked by the Whites.

 

And Wasl golden boy Ali Saleh was the surprise name absent from the recent Arabian Gulf Cup, after late injury ruled him out of November’s qualifiers.

 

Tweaks will surely be made for March’s key matches at Iran and North Korea. A return to peak match fitness after serious injury by Al-Jazira’s metronome midfielder Abdullah Ramadan is essential.

 

But the noise that surrounds these calls should not distract from the leaders who emerged in 2024.

 

De Lima netted six times in the calendar year, while maturing Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club flyer Yahya Al-Ghassani joined him on the same tally, with several efforts of sublime quality. And Sharjah fullback Khalid Ibrahim has proved his dependability.

 

Most pertinently, however, was the increasing torrent of naturalized selections who defined 2024, led by the versatile Marcus Meloni, Al-Ain center-back Kouame Autonne and Fleetwood Town’s Mackenzie Hunt.

 

 

New faces, new questions

 

A UAE Football Association naturalization plan of over five years in the making is bearing fruit.

 

The aforementioned trio, plus the likes of lively Ajman midfielder Isam Faiz and emerging Montpellier forward Junior Ndiaye, are changing the face of Emirati football.

 

Al-Wahda center-back Lucas Pimenta travelled to Kuwait, as did teenage Al-Ain midfielder Solomon Sosu. Many more will come online throughout the latter stages of World Cup 2026 qualifying.

 

This potentially includes Caio Canedo who has a formidable 11-goal contribution in 10 ADNOC Pro League runouts for Sharjah in 2024/2025.

 

It is now up to Bento to make the most of this harvest. Getting the blend right is critical.

 

 

Does defense need a facelift?

 

Only Iraq and omnipotent Japan have conceded fewer goals than the UAE in third-round qualifying.

 

So far, so solid. Yet, a fragility on display at the Arabian Gulf Cup is of concern.

 

Jazira center-back Khalifa Al-Hammadi erred in last month’s 2-1 Kuwait defeat, and international partner Autonne was also dismissed in that match.

 

Pimenta is now on board, with his hugely impressive Tunisia-born club-mate Alaeddine Zouhir a future naturalized option.

 

Returns for Shabab Al-Ahli full-backs Ahmad Jamil and Bader Nasser would be welcomed. And goalkeeper Hamad Al-Meqebaali, 21, is an enviable prospect who looks poised for senior action.

 

 

Mission to find another Mabkhout

 

Last year began with a change of the guard up top.

 

The 85-goal Mabkhout was watching in Qatar as an emergent Sultan Adil got among the Asian Cup scorers. The powerful latter-mentioned striker has, however, been unable to feature for Shabab Al-Ahli or his country this season.

 

The UAE have netted 12 times in the third round, equaling Iran and South Korea’s tallies while outscoring Qatar, Iraq, Australia and Saudi Arabia.

 

Seasoned Wasl campaigners De Lima and Caio Canedo still pack a punch but more is expected, however, from Jazira forward Bruno Conceicao, with Ndiaye’s international career also still to ignite.

 

Bento must surely want Adil involved for March’s seismic away trips.


Man City’s surprising draw at Southampton throws Champions League hopes into doubt

Man City’s surprising draw at Southampton throws Champions League hopes into doubt
Updated 51 min 21 sec ago
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Man City’s surprising draw at Southampton throws Champions League hopes into doubt

Man City’s surprising draw at Southampton throws Champions League hopes into doubt
  • It could prove to be two crucial dropped points for third-placed City
  • Haaland’s return after a six-week absence because of injury couldn’t inspire City

LONDON: Manchester City’s Champions League qualification ambitions were thrown back into doubt on Saturday after a surprising 0-0 draw at already-relegated Southampton, the Premier League’s last-placed team.

It could prove to be two crucial dropped points for third-placed City in a six-team race for the four remaining spots to get into the Champions League, along with champion Liverpool.

Even Erling Haaland’s return after a six-week absence because of injury couldn’t inspire City, which dragged themselves into a better position in the league on the back of four straight wins.

City had two points more than Newcastle and Chelsea — who meet at St. James’ Park on Sunday — and four more than Nottingham Forest, which host already-relegated Leicester on Sunday.

Seventh-placed Villa were a further point back and visit Bournemouth later Saturday.

City’s unprecedented four-year reign as champion was ended by Liverpool this season.

The draw lifted Southampton onto 12 points — one more than the lowest ever points haul in a single season, set by Derby County in 2007-08.


Harley-Davidson to launch racing series with MotoGP in 2026

Harley-Davidson to launch racing series with MotoGP in 2026
Updated 10 May 2025
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Harley-Davidson to launch racing series with MotoGP in 2026

Harley-Davidson to launch racing series with MotoGP in 2026
  • Riders will be given race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide bagger motorcycles
  • The 12-race series will run at six Grands Prix on the MotoGP calendar

PARIS: Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson and MotoGP announced a new global racing series on Saturday which will launch in 2026, with teams riding bagger motorcycles at Grands Prix in Europe and North America.

Riders will be given race-prepared Harley-Davidson Road Glide bagger motorcycles, which are touring-style bikes designed for long-distance riding.


The 12-race series will run at six Grands Prix on the MotoGP calendar and the grid is expected to have six to eight teams with two riders each.

“This is a bold new step for Harley-Davidson’s global racing ambitions,” Harley-Davidson CEO Jochen Zeitz said in a statement.

“With this new series, we’re excited to bring a new form of racing to the world stage.”

The teams will be supported by Harley-Davidson Factory Racing.


Iran beat Pakistan in Asian polo qualifiers’ finals in Riyadh

Iran beat Pakistan in Asian polo qualifiers’ finals in Riyadh
Updated 10 May 2025
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Iran beat Pakistan in Asian polo qualifiers’ finals in Riyadh

Iran beat Pakistan in Asian polo qualifiers’ finals in Riyadh
  • Iran defeated Pakistan with an aggregate score of 32–30 over two-leg matches
  • Saudi Polo Federation chief highlights the high level of competition from both teams

RIYADH: The Iranian national polo team have qualified for the 2025 World Cup in the US after beating Pakistan in the 2025 Federation of International Polo (FIP) Arena World Polo Championship Asia qualifiers.

Held in western Riyadh at the Nofa Equestrian Resort, Iran defeated Pakistan with an aggregate score of 32–30 over two-leg matches, a media statement said on Saturday.

The medal ceremony was attended by Piero Dillier, president of the Federation of International Polo, and Faisal bin Duwaiyes, CEO of the Saudi Polo Federation, who awarded the medals to both teams.

Bin Duwaiyes said that the successful hosting of the event was a continuation of Saudi Arabia’s achievements in organizing regional and international sporting events.

“This success was made possible by the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s leadership and the close attention of the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, he said.

SPF’s CEO highlighted the high level of competition and strong performances from both teams throughout the matches.

Bin Duwaiyes underscored the significance of the presence of Federation of International Polo officials and sport experts. He described it as a valuable opportunity for Saudi administrative and technical personnel to gain experience and further contribute to the development of polo in the Kingdom.


Barcelona ready for Real test after Champions League exit, says Flick

Barcelona ready for Real test after Champions League exit, says Flick
Updated 10 May 2025
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Barcelona ready for Real test after Champions League exit, says Flick

Barcelona ready for Real test after Champions League exit, says Flick
  • Barca lead the Spanish top-flight by four points over second-placed Real
  • “After the defeat in Milan, everyone knows it’s not easy... but we’re doing things right,” Flick told reporters

BARCELONA: Barcelona’s players have discussed last week’s Champions League elimination and are ready to put their disappointment behind them as they prepare to face LaLiga title rivals Real Madrid, manager Hansi Flick said on Saturday.

Barca, who suffered a 4-3 Champions League semifinal defeat by Inter Milan on Tuesday, lead the Spanish top-flight by four points over second-placed Real.

With four matches left in the season, a home win on Sunday would move Flick’s side one victory away from their 28th Spanish league title.

“We’re doing well. After the defeat in Milan, everyone knows it’s not easy... but we’re doing things right. We’ve talked about what we want to do in these two weeks,” Flick told reporters.

“There are four more games to go. El Clasico is important, we have to show how well we can play. We have to show confidence. The players are doing very well... We’ve been talking about what they are thinking, what they are feeling.

“We had to talk about it as a group. Everyone knows that in a Clasico you have to give 100 percent. You have to be active, intense, dominant. Real Madrid is a very good team, and we need the fans.”

Barcelona have conceded 10 goals in their last four games across all competitions, leading to questions over their solidity and the team’s use of a high line when defending.

Flick, however, is content with his back line.

“When we started, I was clear about the philosophy... There have been games, especially at the beginning, where we saw doubts, but the team has adapted well,” he said.

“They have also been improving and are happy with the style and how we want to play. When you see the quality of the players you are happy.”

Flick also singled out defender Inigo Martinez for praise.

“He likes to play deeper, and it’s unbelievable to see how he’s adapted,” the German said.

“He’s a leader and focuses on winning every game. He works hard in every training session.

He shares his positive feelings with his teammates and he is a fighter. A great leader.”

Flick said striker Robert Lewandowski, returning from a hamstring injury, and full back Alejandro Balde would not start against Real.

“Gerard Martin and the rest of the players are doing very well,” Flick said.

“After this match, we have three more games left. Maybe they (Lewandowski and Balde) will get minutes in the second half, I think Balde is ready for that.”


Foreign cricketers head home as India-Pakistan tension disrupts world’s biggest T20 league

Foreign cricketers head home as India-Pakistan tension disrupts world’s biggest T20 league
Updated 10 May 2025
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Foreign cricketers head home as India-Pakistan tension disrupts world’s biggest T20 league

Foreign cricketers head home as India-Pakistan tension disrupts world’s biggest T20 league
  • The lucrative Indian Premier League was suspended for one week Friday
  • The Pakistan Super League was postponed less than 24 hours after the Pakistan Cricket Board had announced it would try to move the remaining games to Dubai

NEW DELHI: The military tension between India and Pakistan has put the biggest Twenty20 cricket league in the world on hold while another one has been suspended for indefinite period.

The lucrative Indian Premier League was suspended for one week Friday while the Pakistan Super League was postponed less than 24 hours after the Pakistan Cricket Board had announced it would try to move the remaining eight games of the league to Dubai.

Leading foreign cricketers on both sides of the border have already started leaving for their respective countries and the Board of Control for Cricket in India is yet to announce the revised schedule.

There were reports in Indian media on Saturday that IPL organizers have shortlisted three southern cities — Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad — to host the remaining 16 games, provided it gets Indian government approval to resume.

The packed international cricket schedule could see some of the leading foreign players miss the remaining IPL games if the league extends beyond its scheduled May 25 final.

The IPL is the most popular cricket tournament in the world and runs between March and May. This year it has featured 65 international cricketers from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, England and Afghanistan.

Several dozen foreign cricketers who weren’t picked in the IPL auction were drafted into the PSL, which was due to end May 18.

The decision to postpone IPL on Friday came after a night of artillery exchanges between Indian and Pakistani soldiers across their frontier in Kashmir, amid a growing military standoff that erupted following an attack on tourists in the India-controlled portion of the disputed region.

On Friday night and Saturday, overseas cricketers and broadcast staff were given permission to fly out to their respective home countries, reducing the chance that the tournament would be resumed. There are about 70 overseas players in the IPL this season.

The BCCI said the decision to suspend the tournament was made “in the collective interest of all stakeholders.”

“While cricket remains a national passion, there is nothing greater than the nation and its sovereignty, integrity, and security of our country,” the BCCI statement said.

The suspension came after the match between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in Dharamsala in northern India was abandoned Thursday evening when the power went out during a government-mandated blackout. Players from both teams returned by train late Friday to New Delhi.

Punjab’s next game against Mumbai Indians had already been moved from Dharamsala to Mumbai because of the closure of several airports in the Indian northwestern corridor.

In Pakistan, foreign players were flown out of Islamabad in a special chartered flight hours before both countries were engaged in missile and drone attacks on each other’s military bases in the most serious confrontation between the nuclear-armed rivals in decades.

On Thursday, an Indian drone fell inside the complex of the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium hours before the start of a PSL game in which several cricketers from New Zealand, Australia, West Indies, South Africa and England were due to compete.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also interior minister in the Pakistan government, held meetings with foreign cricketers and six franchise owners of the PSL before initially saying the tournament was being moved to Dubai before suspending it.

“Cricket, while being a unifying force and a source of joy, must take a respectful pause,” the PCB said in a statement.

The PCB said it acted on advice from Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The PCB had earlier confirmed the relocation of eight remaining PSL matches to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, citing growing concerns among overseas players and the need to prioritize their safety. But the latest announcement said the PSL was being postponed and gave no indication whether this year’s edition would resume at some point.

England cricketer Sam Billings, New Zealand’s Colin Munro, South African Rilee Rossouw and Jason Holder of West Indies were among 43 foreign cricketers competing in the PSL.

“We have sincere regard for the mental well-being of participating players and the sentiments of our foreign players, and we respect the concerns of their families who want to see them back home,” the PCB said.