RAS AL KHAIMAH // In their quest to become the first UAE side to reach the knockout stages in four years, Emirates can take heart from the claim of the coach of their conquerors on Tuesday night that they are the toughest team his Zob Ahan side have faced in this season's competition.
Emirates slipped to third in the group, two points behind Al Shabab, following the 1-0 home defeat to last season's finalists, but they will still be confident of reaching the last 16. They play Al Rayyan, the bottom team in Group D, in Qatar on Tuesday. A win there, coupled with victory for Zob Ahan at home to Shabab in Esfahan, will see them progress in second place.
Mansour Ebrahimzadeh, the Zob Ahan coach, said the unheralded side from Ras al Khaimah merit a place in the next round.
"No doubt they have been our toughest opponent in the group," Ebrahimzadeh said. "Emirates remind me of our own team last season. We were playing in the Champions League for the first time and we reached the final in Tokyo."
Emirates have shocked many educated observers with their Champions League form this season but not Karim Kerkar, the team's midfielder schemer.
"Some people might have been surprised, but I am very confident about my team," the Algerian international said.
"I trust my players. Maybe technically we are not so good, but they have a lot of heart ... The result about Zob Ahan and Shabab, we don't care because we have to win."
Emirates' success in Asia would contrast their unconvincing league form. They have lost their last two games and are second in Group A, equal on points with leaders Ajman (34) but with an inferior goal difference.
They meet Dibba al Fujairah and Al Oruba in the last two games and will probably need to win both if they are to secure a return to the Pro League, a tough task at the end of a busy season, which has seen the club compete in four different championships.
arizvi@thenational.ae
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
SERIES INFO
Afghanistan v Zimbabwe, Abu Dhabi Sunshine Series
All matches at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series
1st Test: Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by 10 wickets
2nd Test: Wednesday, 10 March – Sunday, 14 March
Play starts at 9.30am
T20 series
1st T20I: Wednesday, 17 March
2nd T20I: Friday, 19 March
3rd T20I: Saturday, 20 March
TV
Supporters in the UAE can watch the matches on the Rabbithole channel on YouTube
'How To Build A Boat'
Jonathan Gornall, Simon & Schuster
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group C
Liverpool v Napoli, midnight
Key facilities
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The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
