Even though the game is a dead rubber, Mahdi Ali, the UAE coach, is not allowing his team to take it easy when they face Uzbekistan in the Asian Cup Group E qualifier tonight at the Bunyodkor Stadium in Tashkent.
The UAE are on 15 points and have already secured their passage to Australia along with second-placed Uzbekistan (10) in a group that also includes Hong Kong (4) and Vietnam (0).
“We want to continue our run of successful results and we want to win this game,” Mahdi Ali said as his team tries to extend their unbeaten run of 19 matches.
“As both teams have already qualified for the Asian Cup, this game provides us a chance to see some attacking football and to experiment a few things.
“I have called up four new players for the match and it is a big challenge for them and I hope it will be good motivation for them. I would assume Uzbekistan will also have some changes with some young players.”
Mohammed Yousuf and Ahmed Khamis, both from Sharjah, Al Dhafra’s midfielder Bandar Al Ahbabi and Al Wasl’s Mohammed Nasser are the four new faces in Mahdi Ali’s squad.
“The result is important too for us and therefore we will not make many changes but field a balanced line-up,” Mahdi Ali said without elaborating on the opportunity he may give the newcomers. “We will try to provide everyone with a playing opportunity.
“Most of our players are young with an average age of 24 years. They are very experienced, though, having been together for the last nine years. They have played more than 50 games together.”
Mirdjalal Kasimov is looking to avenge his team’s defeat in their first meeting in March last year.
“The UAE are a strong team and they have been growing for several years. We played well in the away game, but we lost,” the Uzbek coach said. “It is still the start of the new season in Uzbekistan, but we will try to achieve a victory.”
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
What is hepatitis?
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis or liver cancer.
There are 5 main hepatitis viruses, referred to as types A, B, C, D and E.
Hepatitis C is mostly transmitted through exposure to infective blood. This can occur through blood transfusions, contaminated injections during medical procedures, and through injecting drugs. Sexual transmission is also possible, but is much less common.
People infected with hepatitis C experience few or no symptoms, meaning they can live with the virus for years without being diagnosed. This delay in treatment can increase the risk of significant liver damage.
There are an estimated 170 million carriers of Hepatitis C around the world.
The virus causes approximately 399,000 fatalities each year worldwide, according to WHO.
Canadians living in the UAE can register to vote online and be added to the International Register of Electors.
They'll then be sent a special ballot voting kit by mail either to their address, the Consulate General of Canada to the UAE in Dubai or The Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Registered voters mark the ballot with their choice and must send it back by 6pm Eastern time on October 21 (2am next Friday)
COMPANY PROFILE
Name:Airev
Started: September 2023
Founder:Muhammad Khalid
Based:Abu Dhabi
Sector:Generative AI
Initial investment:Undisclosed
Investment stage:Series A
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Current number of staff:47
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
Need to know
When: October 17 until November 10
Cost: Entry is free but some events require prior registration
Where: Various locations including National Theatre (Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Cultural Center, Zayed University Promenade, Beach Rotana (Abu Dhabi), Vox Cinemas at Yas Mall, Sharjah Youth Center
What: The Korea Festival will feature art exhibitions, a B-boy dance show, a mini K-pop concert, traditional dance and music performances, food tastings, a beauty seminar, and more.
