Bento’s UAE look to finally step out of shadow of Golden Generation at AFC Asian Cup

Bento’s UAE look to finally step out of shadow of Golden Generation at AFC Asian Cup
Paulo Bento attends a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha (AFP)
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Updated 12 January 2024
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Bento’s UAE look to finally step out of shadow of Golden Generation at AFC Asian Cup

Bento’s UAE look to finally step out of shadow of Golden Generation at AFC Asian Cup
  • Portuguese coach had promising start overseeing Whites who head to Qatar with cautious optimism after turbulent years

Abu Dhabi: An Asian Cup imbued with tantalizing, yet fragile, hope lies ahead for Paulo Bento’s blossoming UAE.

Pained memories of a tortured World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign were assuaged in a six-match winning run upon the ex-Portugal and South Korea tactician’s summer arrival.

A sense of renewal defines the 54-year-old’s refreshed squad who are attempting to follow in hallowed footsteps of their nation’s Golden Generation and secure a third successive semi-final berth.

Previous AFC players of the year, Ahmed Khalil and Omar Abdulrahman, are now glorious footnotes. New leadership allied with elite performers such as Al-Wasl’s naturalized forward Fabio de Lima, Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club sensation Harib Abdalla, and historic 85-goal Al-Jazira marksman Ali Mabkhout hint at better times after the ignominy of last January’s humbling group-stage exit at the Arabian Gulf Cup.

Yet, this month’s deflating 1-0 friendly reversal to unfancied Oman makes predictions of deep progress a tremulous undertaking.

Here, Arab News looks at the Whites’ major issues and key men ahead of Sunday’s Group C opener against Hong Kong at Khalifa International Stadium.

Bento’s big challenge

Ambitions – and expectations – swell when the UAE compete at Asian Cups.

Abdulrahman, Khalil, and Mabkhout electrified Australian crowds at the 2015 running under Mahdi Ali. A measured approach from Alberto Zaccheroni on home soil four-years later, also, dragged them to the last four.

This edition’s intriguing pool contains inviting clashes with Hong Kong and Palestine, plus a bellwether trial versus Iran. Quarterfinals look to be the minimum expectation from there for the AFC’s eighth highest-ranked competitor (64) by FIFA.

Pre-tournament standing as a dark horse has, on the surface, been strengthened by the UAE’s narrow miss for World Cup 2022. Slender fourth-round disappointment to heavyweights Australia, however, under Rodolfo Arruabarrena was illusionary.

Their curious campaign contained five permanent head coach appointments. It was also run alongside consecutive opening-round departures at the 24th and 25th Gulf Cups, plus consequential 5-0 quarter-final elimination by Qatar at the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup which ultimately put paid to Bert van Marwijk’s second spell in charge since March 2019.

Contrasting tactics and philosophies confused minds. Bento’s opening test has been to generate clarity after July’s appointment on a contract until December 2026.

A possession-based system has been successfully applied within the 4-2-3-1 formation ubiquitous in Emirati football. Bento’s debut 4-1 thrashing of Keylor Navas’ Costa Rica in September provided ignition, ahead of the accelerator being pressed for World Cup 2026 qualifying’s supreme opening in November against Nepal (4-0) and Bahrain (2-0).

Culture was key to Bento’s record five-year stint with South Korea. Superstars such as Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae were treated in the same fashion as lesser lights.

This meritocracy has continued with the UAE and, critically, appears to have received similar buy-in.

Mabkhout – the sole extant talisman from the preceding Golden Generation – netted a brace from the start versus Nepal, yet would score off the bench at Bahrain when a different starting 11 was required.

Further commitment from a promising squad is key to hopes of advancement this winter.

Fresh faces for new quest

Bento’s bold selection has echoed Roberto Mancini’s clean slate with Saudi Arabia, rather than the status quo chosen by Tintin Marquez for holders – and hosts – Qatar.

Key men De Lima and Caio Canedo, of Al-Wasl, did not even hold UAE passports at the previous Asian Cup. Mabkhout, Al-Ain goalkeeper Khalid Essa, Al-Jazira center-back Khalifa Al-Hammadi, club-mate Ali Khaseif, and Al-Wasl midfielder Ali Salmeen are the only survivors from the matchday squad beaten 4-0 by Qatar in those semis.

Pride of Abu Dhabi full-backs Abdulla Idrees and Zayed Sultan have been entrusted to provide fresh impetus. Fellow Al-Jazira performer Abdullah Ramadan adds further drive in midfield and ample star quality.

Enviable options in attack see the aforementioned Mabkhout, De Lima, Canedo, and Abdalla supplemented by the likes of 23-year-old Al-Wasl skipper Ali Saleh and a maturing Yahya Al-Ghassani of ADNOC Pro League champions Shabab Al-Ahli.

It is not, however, a perfect picture for Bento.

Question marks remain

For all the beguiling exuberance of Abdulrahman and punishing lethality of Mabkhout, granite defending was just as crucial in 2015 and 2019.

Exemplary rear-guard actions dumped out champions Japan and Australia at the quarter-final stages of both.

No replacements have subsequently emerged for center-back warriors Ismail Ahmed and Mohanad Salem, despite the polar qualities of Khalifa Al-Hammadi and Al-Jazira partner Mohammed Al-Attas. This also applies in defensive midfield where the retired Khamis Esmail casts a long shadow.

Spines of the 2015 and 2019 selections were drawn from Al-Ahli and Al-Ain club sides who made AFC Champions League finals. Years of underwhelming performances in that competition, however, denies this roster similarly fortifying experiences.

Recent Gulf Cup, Arab Cup, and World Cup qualifying failures make doubts arise, despite obvious talent. It is up to Bento and his players to positively answer them.

Prediction

It is important to quantify which staging post Bento’s UAE are currently at.

Only six months have passed since his hire. Just four squad members hold more than 50 caps, while De Lima and Mabkhout are the solitary players with international goals counted in double figures.

The Asian Cup’s generous Group C offers the chance to build momentum enough to prevail against likely round-of-16-opponents China. From there, a football miracle is required to continue the journey past a Japan who have downed Peru, Germany, Turkiye, Canada, and Tunisia in their current 10-match winning streak.

Valiant defeat versus Samurai Blue would represent failure to replicate prior semi-final runs but should solidify belief in Bento’s methods ahead of the defining quest for a World Cup return.


’Rare joy’ as war-hit Sudan reaches African football showpiece

Updated 1 min 32 sec ago
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’Rare joy’ as war-hit Sudan reaches African football showpiece

’Rare joy’ as war-hit Sudan reaches African football showpiece
The feat, achieved at the expense of Ghana comes despite the team having to play all their matches abroad and the domestic league being suspended
The match marked Sudan’s 10th qualification for the continental tournament

PORT SUDAN: Football fans in Sudan, a country torn apart by war, are savouring a rare moment of pride after the national team qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
The feat, achieved at the expense of Ghana, one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses, comes despite the team having to play all their matches abroad and the domestic league being suspended.
Streets of Port Sudan, where hundreds of thousands of displaced endure agonizing waits for water and health care, came alive after the match, with car horns blaring and ecstatic fans waving Sudanese flags from the windows.
The match marked Sudan’s 10th qualification for the continental tournament, offering a rare moment of happiness to a nation devastated by 19 months of war.
“Our joy after the game... could not truly reflect the emotions in our hearts,” one jubilant fan, Hassan Mohamed, told AFP.
In Port Sudan, the country’s de facto capital since last year, fans gathered in cafes Monday to watch the final group stage match against Angola, played in Benghazi, Libya.
Others followed the action on mobile phones, holding their breath in the final moments, an AFP correspondent reported.
Despite a goalless draw, Sudan secured the second qualifying spot for next year’s AFCON finals from a group that, besides Angola and Ghana, also included Niger.
As the referee’s whistle signalled the end of the game, chairs toppled over as fans jumped for joy.
Celebrations spilled into the streets of the Red Sea port city, where car horns echoed in triumph.
It was only the second time that Sudan, the champions in 1970, made it to the AFCON finals in the last seven editions.
Social media platforms lit up with images of the players, as Sudanese users hailed the team’s qualification as a “rare joy in dark times.”
“Their aim was to bring a smile back to the Sudanese people,” Khalid Omer Yousif, vice-chairman of the Sudanese Congress Party, wrote on X.
Speaking to AFP by phone, sports journalist Nasr Al-Din Al-Fadalabi called the achievement “an impossible smile in a time of sorrow.”
Since April 2023, Sudan has been gripped by a war between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Tens of thousands have been killed and more than 11 million have been displaced, including over three million who fled the country.
Inside Sudan, displaced people face compounding humanitarian crises and the threat of famine, even in areas spared direct fighting.
The war has devastated the country’s infrastructure, crippled the health sector and shuttered most businesses.
Football has not escaped the turmoil.
With the domestic league suspended, Sudanese football has taken a new path.
Home games were relocated to South Sudan and Libya, and the national team trained in Saudi Arabia.
Players have signed contracts abroad, including goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa in Tanzania.
Sudanese footballers in Libya benefit from local status, while others who played abroad are now in the national team.
Among them is Mohamed Eisa, a star forward who spent years in British leagues and now plays in Iran.
The war has also seeped into football.
In an October match against Ghana, team captain Ramadan Agab mimicked a victory gesture associated with army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, taunting his paramilitary rivals.
Burhan has praised the team in public statements and visits to the football federation.
For many Sudanese, this week’s qualification was a moment of pride and unity.
“Despite the divisions among some and despite so many obstacles... they (the players) have overcome every challenge,” said fan Akrama Ali Karamallah.
“I believe they will go even further, and as they say, nothing is impossible.”

Bento’s UAE enjoy dream international week to reignite World Cup hopes

Bento’s UAE enjoy dream international week to reignite World Cup hopes
Updated 25 min 11 sec ago
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Bento’s UAE enjoy dream international week to reignite World Cup hopes

Bento’s UAE enjoy dream international week to reignite World Cup hopes
  • Emirati team raises possibility of a return to the game’s biggest stage for the first since 1990
  • A quartet of charged fixtures remain to bridge a three-point gap to second-placed Uzbekistan

DUBAI: Not even the UAE’s Golden Generation enjoyed a night quite like this.

Tuesday’s rampant 5-0 thrashing of Qatar turbo-boosted hopes of making a hallowed World Cup return for the first time since 1990 and emphatically earned redemption for a series of humbling results inflicted by their Gulf neighbour.

Such was the heightened feeling of bonhomie throughout the Emirates that a post-match McDonald’s visit by four-goal Fabio De Lima was interrupted by a grateful Al-Nasr supporter telling the star of Dubai rivals Al-Wasl: “Today, I love you.”

At times of great joy, a sense of perspective is hard to find.

Especially when celebrations follow a thumping of the double Asian Cup holders to earn one of the great occasions in your country’s footballing history, bettering the contentious semi-final defeat on home soil by Qatar in 2019’s edition.

Added momentum comes from last week’s 3-0 Group A victory against Kyrgyzstan, inspired by Shabab Al-Ahli star Harib Abdalla.

Much has been accomplished by the third-placed Whites, who are now within touching distance of the automatic qualification spots, but much remains to achieve on this tricky path to World Cup 2026.

“In this moment, it is normal that some people are really happy and, sometimes, out of control,” said boss Paulo Bento at Al-Nahyan Stadium. “It is important that we keep calm and be humble.

“That is the most important for us. They (the players) know how we, as a technical staff, think.

“We faced a very good team (Qatar), with very good players. Well managed, that have very good principles.

“We tried to choose the best strategy to control their best features and, at the same time, explore their weaknesses. The responsibility for that was the guys.

“They accomplished the game plan in the best way. We know it was difficult to predict how Qatar could play.

“The guys adapted themselves in the right way. To reach a result like this, it is important to be fair.

“In Uzbekistan, we had chances to score, but at the end, we were not effective. Today, we were really effective.

“All of this allowed us to reach this kind of result. But, in football, it is normal that the good ones are the guys that win and the bad ones are the guys that lose.

“Things are not like that. It was because we respect them (Qatar) that we won the game.”

The UAE’s second-ever entry into the world’s most important football event appeared to be slipping away after October’s disheartening 1-1 home draw with bottom-placed North Korea and 1-0 defeat against 10 men in Uzbekistan.

This once-perilous situation has changed for the better during a crunch November that has returned them to contention.

It also shifts the narrative around a UAE side typically viewed as talented, but unable to consistently deliver in clutch moments.

No one questioned the peerless ability of AFC Players of the Year Omar Abdulrahman and Ahmed Khalil, ruthless 2015 Asian Cup top scorer Ali Mabkhout and much of the preceding Golden Generation.

They even gained silverware at the 2013 Arabian Gulf Cup and represented their country with distinction at the London 2012 Olympics.

This cherished cohort did not, truthfully, come close to making World Cup 2014 or 2018. False dawns included memorable qualifying wins against Japan and Saudi Arabia, eventually rendered worthless by dropped points versus also-rans.

Neither could the emergent squad that followed for 2022’s cycle. They narrowly fell to Asian heavyweights Australia in the fourth round, without the injured De Lima.

The confines are still punishingly tight for 2026. Bento, his players and the UAE en masse, however, now hold tangible reasons to believe.

They are the third round’s joint-second top scorers with 12 goals — only an omnipotent Japan have more with 22. Their four goals conceded is bettered only by the Japanese (two) and Iraq (three).

Clubmates Yahya Al-Ghassani and Abdalla were at their freewheeling best this month. A centre-back pairing of Al-Jazira’s graceful Khalifa Al-Hammadi and Al-Ain’s redoubtable Kouame Autonne competes with anything on the continent.

Enviable strength in depth was provided by Fleetwood Town utility man Mackenzie Hunt, Wasl’s Tahnoon Al-Zaabi and veteran striker Caio Canedo.

Words can scarcely do justice to De Lima, his adopted country’s first “super hat-trick” scorer in World Cup qualifying. Three of these came before half-time, including a sumptuous free kick.

Further encouragement is provided by possible debut call-ups for more naturalised players when qualifying resumes with avisit to World Cup regulars Iran on March 20, 2025. These could include prolific Sharjah forward Caio Lucas, plus Al-Wahda’s promising defenders Lucas Pimenta and Alaeddine Zouhir.

A quartet of charged fixtures remain to bridge a three-point gap to second-placed Uzbekistan and their section’s final automatic spot, with leaders Iran a further three points ahead. The penultimate clash with the Uzbeks on June 5, 2025 looms large.

Qatar are only three points further behind. Their ambitions of gate-crashing the top two are not extinguished, despite the UAE’s pair of redeeming third-round wins against them.

Fail to make the most of this month’s 100 percent haul and the fourth-round lottery awaits. Even more jeopardy would follow for the UAE in the fifth round/inter-confederation play-offs.

Bento’s measured approach has patiently put his charges in a position to secure direct entry. A shot at legendary status is theirs to grasp.


Olympia in Greece to host International Camel Racing Federation General Assembly

Olympia in Greece to host International Camel Racing Federation General Assembly
Updated 47 min 13 sec ago
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Olympia in Greece to host International Camel Racing Federation General Assembly

Olympia in Greece to host International Camel Racing Federation General Assembly
  • The choice of Olympia as the venue underscores the federation’s drive to honor and advance camel racing
  • Four-day event will celebrate the sport’s roots and outline a roadmap for the future

ATHENS: The International Camel Racing Federation’s 4th General Assembly, which takes place in Olympia, Greece on Nov. 23-26, will discuss the federation’s strategic roadmap for the coming years and initiatives to expand camel racing on a global scale.
The gathering will bring together representatives from national camel racing federations and international organizations, emphasizing the growing global prominence of camel racing as a sport and a cultural tradition, according to a media statement on Wednesday.
The choice of Olympia as the venue underscores the federation’s dedication to honoring and advancing the rich legacy of camel racing. The four-day event will blend a celebration of the sport’s ancient roots with a forward-looking approach to its global development.
The assembly will also unveil new projects and development programs aimed at enhancing the sport, alongside interactive workshops and dialogue sessions focused on incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative practices to meet international standards for organizing races.
This year’s assembly coincides with the UN’s declaration of 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, highlighting the vital role camels play in food security, economic development and the livelihoods of millions worldwide. The designation also celebrates the cultural and social significance of camels in diverse communities around the globe.
The assembly promises to be a landmark event for the camel racing community, fostering international collaboration and charting a path toward a vibrant future for this historic sport.


India withdraws from Pakistan-hosted T20 Blind World Cup after failing to secure clearance— ESPNcricinfo

India withdraws from Pakistan-hosted T20 Blind World Cup after failing to secure clearance— ESPNcricinfo
Updated 20 November 2024
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India withdraws from Pakistan-hosted T20 Blind World Cup after failing to secure clearance— ESPNcricinfo

India withdraws from Pakistan-hosted T20 Blind World Cup after failing to secure clearance— ESPNcricinfo
  • Pakistan is scheduled to host T20 Blind Cricket World Cup from Nov. 22-Dec. 3
  • Political tensions have limited cultural exchanges and sports contests between both sides

ISLAMABAD: The Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) announced on Wednesday that its blind cricket team was withdrawing from the upcoming T20 Blind Cricket World Cup in Pakistan, citing its failure to secure clearance from New Delhi to travel to the neighboring country, sports website ESPNcricinfo reported.

The T20 Blind Cricket World Cup was scheduled to be held in Pakistan from Nov. 22 — Dec. 3. Political tensions between nuclear-armed neighbors India and Pakistan have restricted cultural exchanges and bilateral sports events between the two nations. 

Both countries have fought three wars, two of them over the Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir, which they both claim in full but rule in part.

“While this is a significant setback for the team, CABI fully respects the government’s concerns and the decision for the same,” the board said in a statement, as per ESPNcricinfo. “The team had been training rigorously and was eager to compete. However, we prioritize the government’s guidance and remain steadfast in our commitment to the continued development of Blind Cricket in India.”

Durga Rao Tompaki, the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team for the blind, said the decision was “disheartening” for his team. 

“However, we know that the next World Cup is just around the corner, and we remain committed to our training and preparation,” Tompaki said. 

India’s decision takes place 100 days ahead of the start of the 2025 Champions Trophy, which is also set to be held in Pakistan in February/March next year. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC this month that India will not travel to Pakistan for the tournament. 

The ICC informed the PCB following which Pakistan demanded an explanation. Pakistan has repeatedly insisted it will not agree for the tournament to be shifted to another country and has insisted India travel to the country for the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan hosted last year’s Asia Cup but all of India’s games were played in Sri Lanka under a hybrid hosting model for the tournament. Several months later Pakistan traveled to India for the 50-over World Cup.

Political tensions between the countries have led to the India team avoiding travel to Pakistan since 2008 and the two have tended to only compete together in multi-nation tournaments, including ICC World Cups. Pakistan also traveled to India in 2012 for a bilateral ODI series.


6 things we learned from the latest 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers

6 things we learned from the latest 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers
Updated 20 November 2024
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6 things we learned from the latest 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers

6 things we learned from the latest 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers
  • We are bringing you instead of the usual five things we learned from a breathless eight hours or so of action across Asia, we are bringing you five

Tuesday saw a fitting end to this year’s 2026 World Cup qualification matches. It had everything — so much so, we are bringing you that instead of the usual five things we learned from a breathless eight hours or so of action across Asia, we are bringing you five.

No “new manager bounce” and no complaints for Saudi Arabia

Indonesia’s 2-0 win over the Green Falcons — their first — came as no big surprise, given the 1-1 draw in Jeddah back in September. But the fact this was a deserved victory for the hosts was worrying.

When Herve Renard was brought back last month, it was hoped he’d bring with him some of the old magic from the 2022 tournament qualifiers. But it there was a sign of it in last week’s 0-0 draw in Australia, there was none in Jakarta.

Indonesia hit the post in the opening minute and seemed more energetic, more determined and more prepared for the following 90 or so. There were queries about a few refereeing decisions, but that is not why Indonesia won. They were the better team.

No Al-Dawsari — no creativity, no goals

The defeat means there have been three goals scored in six games, two from the head of Hassan Kadesh in China. There have been none in the last four and little threat of any.

The injury to Salem Al-Dawsari, whose status as the country’s best player is reinforced in his absence, was felt deeply. There was nobody to get their foot on the ball, nobody able to run at the defense and nobody who could find that killer pass. There were far too many aimless crosses into the area.

Saudi Arabia perhaps underestimated Indonesia, who were much improved and had a clear game plan.

Luck still on the Saudi side

At this stage in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Saudi Arabia had 16 points. They currently have six. Last time, there was a sense they were on the march to Qatar. That’s not the case now. Such results four years ago would have meant that famous win against Argentina never happened.

But it is not over by a long shot. The bright spot is that with Japan running away with one of the top two automatic qualification places, no other team is managing to win much either.

Renard will have been relieved Australia did not taste victory in Bahrain to go three points clear in second; their 2-2 draw means the Socceroos have seven points and the rest — Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, China and Bahrain — are all on six.

The group could not be tighter and, while exciting for the neutral, Saudi Arabian fans will be expecting an improvement in 2025.

Bahrain in late drama again

In a dramatic encounter, Bahrain drew 2-2 with Australia. It is hard to say how the two teams will feel about the result but, for the third time in four home games, there was huge excitement late on. The Reds left it until deep into injury time to get a point against Indonesia in October, and had a late goal disallowed against China only to lose in added time.

This was even more exciting. When Kusini Yengi put Australia ahead in the opening minute, it looked as if the Socceroos would get revenge for their home defeat in September. But then came two goals in three second-half minutes from Mahdi Abduljabbar, putting Bahrain on the brink of a famous victory and into second place in the group. However, Yengi struck again, 95 minutes after his first. The spoils were shared and a tight group got tighter still.

Five-star UAE dash Qatar’s automatic dreams

Two teams with seven points apiece met in Abu Dhabi. Both expected a tight encounter but it proved anything but — the UAE thrashed Qatar, the Asian champions, 5-0. It was a stunning victory and a stunning performance from Fabio Lima, who scored all but one against a hapless Qatari defense.

The signs were there, with 12 goals conceded from the first five games, but there were huge gaps for the hosts to enjoy themselves just as they did with that 3-1 away win on the opening day.

With three away games to come for the UAE this was a must win, keeping them in the hunt for second, three points behind Uzbekistan who beat North Korea 1-0. Qatar are surely out of the running as they trail by six points with just four games remaining. If the 2022 World Cup hosts are going to qualify, they will have to do it the hard way.

Palestine frustrate the stars of Korea, Iraq moving smoothly

For the second time in two months, Palestine held the mighty South Korea to a draw. It was 0-0 in Seoul and 1-1 in Amman, and both results were a credit to their spirit, determination and skill.

Zaid Al Qunbar opened the scoring after 12 minutes, capitalizing on a mistake from Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae. Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-min soon equalized, but that was that. This was not one-way traffic; Palestine, playing in front of a largely empty stadium, gave as good as they got and are just three points off fourth.

Iraq, meanwhile, picked up a 1-0 win in Oman to move two points clear of Jordan in third. It is the kind of quiet victory that takes teams to the World Cup. There is still work to do — but the same can be said of all but two or three teams out of the 18.

2025 will be unmissable.