KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
All eyes turn to Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Friday (kickoff 7.40pm) as Al Jazira and Al Ain face off in the final of the 49th UAE President’s Cup.
The highly anticipated clash marks the climax of the 2025-2026 season, with both clubs desperate to capture the most prestigious silverware in domestic football.
For Al Jazira, the “Pride of Abu Dhabi”, the match represents a return to the showpiece event after a 10-year absence. Making their fifth appearance in the final, they are chasing their fourth title, having previously triumphed in 2011, 2012 and 2016.
Al Ain, known as "The Boss", have extended their record for the most final appearances to 16. They are looking to lift the trophy for the eighth time, with their last success coming in 2018 when they defeated Al Wasl 2-1.
They will be motivated having met UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan a day earlier at a function to celebrate the club winning the ADNOC Pro League and becoming this season’s domestic champions.
Both sides have enjoyed impressive runs to the final. Al Jazira began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Ajman, followed by another 2-1 victory against Bani Yas, before eliminating defending champions Shabab Al Ahli 1-0 in the semi-finals.
Al Ain launched their campaign with a resounding 7-0 victory over First Division outfit Al Hamriya, overcame Dibba 3-0 in the quarter-finals, and secured their spot with a 2-0 extra-time win over United.
The stakes could not be higher. Al Jazira are striving to salvage their season and secure direct qualification for the Asian Champions League, having finished fourth in the ADNOC Pro League and suffered narrow cup exits. Meanwhile, Al Ain, who have already claimed their 15th league championship, are targeting a prestigious domestic double.
Al Jazira manager Marino Pusic welcomes back veteran captain Ali Khaseif from injury, whilst relying on the attacking edge of Nabil Fekir, Vinicius Melo and Simon Panza, who have all netted nine goals this season.
Al Ain coach Vladimir Ivic boasts a balanced squad featuring international goalkeeper Khaled Eisa, Egyptian defender Ramy Rabia, and the potent strike pairing of Laba Kodjo and Soufiane Rahimi.
For players in both camps, the encounter transcends normal sporting rivalry. Al Jazira midfielder Abdullah Ramadan, preparing for his first final appearance, highlighted the national significance of the tournament.
“Without a doubt, meeting His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” said Ramadan when asked what the cup means to him. “My message to our supporters is to stand firmly behind us in the final. Hopefully, we will win this title and celebrate together.”
His captain Khaseif, who has won the cup three times, shared that sentiment. “Honestly, the very first thing that comes to mind is the dream of having the ultimate honour to shake hands with the President,” said Khaseif. “I encourage everyone to attend, as we want to show the world that the UAE continues to prosper and stand strong under the guidance of its wise leadership.”
Opposing him is Al Ain captain Eisa, who has won the trophy four times, twice with each club. “The President’s Cup is the most beloved tournament for everyone in the UAE, both citizens and residents alike,” said Eissa.
“We always take immense pride in participating and being part of it, and it’s an even greater honour to actually make it to the final. Just reaching the final is a massive source of pride. So, you can imagine what it means to actually win the title and have the incredible honour of shaking hands with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.”
The final revisits memories of the 2016 tournament, where Al Jazira lifted the trophy following a dramatic 7-6 penalty shootout victory after a 1-1 draw. In their league meetings this season, a 1-1 draw at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium was followed by a 1-0 victory for Al Ain in the return fixture, courtesy of a late Romero Kaku goal.