Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Yahya Al Ghassani believes manager Paulo Bento's due diligence worked in the UAE's favour as they claimed a 3-0 victory against Yemen to seal passage in the joint qualification path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup.
UAE's victory in Saudi Arabia's Khobar city as Yemen's home match saw them take the double header 5-1 on aggregate in the Group H encounter to secure entry to the Asian Cup while 12 points from four games and two go means they are assured of moving to the third and final stage of qualifying for the World Cup.
The easy win on Tuesday night was in contrast to a laboured 2-1 victory in Abu Dhabi on March 21. This was made easier courtesy the preparations done by Bento, according to Al Ghassani.
"Our last match was also against Yemen, so it was easier for our head coach Bento to analyse them, he had a clear vision for this match," said Al Ghassani.
"This made us enter the match with seriousness, and we benefited from the new faces who played today, as all players who participated in both matches showed their best.
"We played a good first half and were leading 3-0, but then the performance dropped a little in the second half," Al Ghassani said.
🇦🇪 UAE punch their #AsianQualifiers Final Round ticket as 🇧🇭 Bahrain also edge closer to qualification in Group H! pic.twitter.com/c9kFTvqf1v
— #AsianCup2023 (@afcasiancup) March 27, 2024
Restored to the starting XI, Fabio de Lima took centre stage in the 14th minute, the 30-year-old stroking a free-kick with his left foot into the bottom corner with goalkeeper Alan Khairalah far too late to react.
Fired up by the goal, UAE grew in confidence, increasing their lead in the 23rd minute when Bader Nasser's cross from the left evaded everyone before De Lima arrived at the rear to sweep in his second.
The Emiratis' dominance saw them adding a third in the 34th minute with Sultan Adil getting on the scoresheet, reacting quickly to finish from close range after his initial shot had been blocked by a defender.
Defeat left Yemen third in the standings on three points with head coach Noureddine Ali blaming the lack of luck for his side's performance. "We had a disastrous 20 minutes in the first half, and unfortunately, luck wasn't on our side as we conceded three goals," said Ali.
"Our players need to focus more on the mental aspect of the game. It's crucial for them to maintain concentration throughout the match. We must put in more effort to develop a team capable of competing against stronger opponents."
The easy march early into the game afforded Bento to enforce five substitutions in the second half, affording the opportunity for De Lima, Adil and Yahia Nader to be rested.
When the qualifiers resume in June, UAE are away to Nepal while Yemen have a tough trip to Bahrain.
