UAE's Ali Mabkhout trains in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Asia Cup in Qatar. The Al Jazira striker has yet to feature at the tournament. Chris Whiteoak / The National
UAE's Ali Mabkhout trains in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Asia Cup in Qatar. The Al Jazira striker has yet to feature at the tournament. Chris Whiteoak / The National
UAE's Ali Mabkhout trains in Abu Dhabi ahead of the Asia Cup in Qatar. The Al Jazira striker has yet to feature at the tournament. Chris Whiteoak / The National
However, Mabkhout was not named in the squad for Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat against group winners Iran, even with Adil ruled out for up to 10 days with a knee injury.
Despite the loss, the UAE sealed a runner-up spot and therefore their place in the last 16, where they face Tajikistan on Sunday.
On Mabkhout’s absence, assistant coach Sergio Costa said: “The reason is technical, tactical. We prepare our match with the players that for us give more guarantees and the starting XI that we started were the starting 11 players we brought for the match. And we think that it was correct.”
Team manager Yasser Salim added: “Ali Mabkhout is one of the most disciplined players in the squad. He is motivating all his teammates all the time, such as Sultan Adil and all the young players.
“There are absolutely no problems with Ali Mabkhout, and the decision to keep him on the bench or outside is purely technical by the coach. And we respect the coach. It’s his call.”
Bento, meanwhile, will be back on the touchline for the last-16 match against Tajikistan at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium. The Portuguese, appointed UAE manager last July, had to watch the Iran clash from the stands following his red card late on against Palestine.
Iran's Mehdi Taremi, left, and teammates celebrate after he scored their second goal in their 1-2 Asian Cup Group C game against the UAE at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, near Doha, on January 23, 2024. AFP
The UAE's Yahya Al Ghassani celebrates after scoring their first goal with teammate Caio Canedo. Reuters
Yahya Al Ghassani of the UAE celebrates scoring his team's goal. Getty Images
Iran's Mehdi Taremi, right, is congratulated by teammate Shojae Khalilzadeh after scoring their first goal. AFP
Iran's Mehdi Taremi scores their second goal. Reuters
Mehdi Taremi of Iran celebrates scoring his team's second goal. Getty Images
Khaled Ibrahim of the UAE wins a header. Getty Images
Harib Abdalla of the UAE is tackled by Sadegh Moharrami of Iran. Getty Images
Iran's Mehdi Taremi celebrates scoring the opener with teammates. Reuters
The UAE's Yahya Al Ghassani is harried by Iran's Sadegh Moharrami. Reuters
Iran's Ali Gholizadeh celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal that was later disallowed. Reuters
Iran's Shoja Khalilzadeh grapples with the UAE's Tahnoon Al Zaabi. Reuters
Iran's Shoja Khalilzadeh in action with the UAE's Tahnoon Al Zaabi. Reuters
Iran's Sadegh Moharrami is closed down by the UAE's Tahnoon Al Zaabi. Reuters
The UAE will be favourites to progress to a third successive Asian Cup quarter-final, with tournament debutants Tajikistan the surprise package in Group A. On Monday, they defeated Lebanon 2-1 to finish second to hosts Qatar.
Costa, though, baulked at suggestions the UAE have an easier route to the competition's latter stages than if they had been on the other side of the draw.
“This competition already proved there are not easier groups, easier teams,” he said. “All the teams are competing really well for each match. We can see all the groups that some surprises are happening.
“This means that all the teams are improving – and this is good for Asian football.”
Asked if the UAE were already aware of Tajikistan’s qualities, Costa added: “Yes – we are preparing since the beginning of the competition and putting into practice our scouting programme. We already knew a lot of teams, the possible opponents that we are going to face. And Tajikistan are one of them.
“So we will prepare that match as best as we can, like all the other matches, checking the opponents strengths, their weaknesses, and after that, prepare a game plan.”
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
