Walter Zenga is hoping that Al Jazira's qualification for the second round of the Asian Champions League will inspire his team to Arabian Gulf Cup success at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain on Saturday.
Jazira confirmed their spot in the last 16 of the continental championship with a battling 3-2 triumph over Qatari club Al Rayyan on Wednesday, bouncing back from a 2-1 deficit.
Zenga said he believes that win has lifted the spirits of his team, who have gone four matches without a win in the Arabian Gulf League and lost at Emirates last week.
“When I started with Al Jazira in late October, our goal was to qualify for the second round of the Champions League, finish high enough in the league to clinch one of the berths for Asia next season and reach the final of one of the cups,” Zenga said.
“We have already qualified for the second round in Asia and we are playing the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup. We are proud of what we have achieved so far and our goal now is to return to Abu Dhabi with the trophy.
“Winning the last match in Qatar has definitely given a boost ahead of this match against a strong Ahli side, and it will inspire the team to make sure we end the season with a domestic trophy.”
Both Jazira and Al Ahli, the Arabian Gulf League champions, have had a busy schedule since March with their campaigns in Asia and home, but Zenga insisted his players were not worn out after their efforts at Rayyan and are looking forward to the final.
“We do not feel any fatigue,” the Italian said. “We are happy and excited to be playing this final, and the win at Rayyan has helped our preparations on the mental side.
“It is going to be an exciting match because both teams play beautiful, attacking football and we both know each other very well.
“Such matches could be decided by players with special abilities, like we saw in the Kings Cup final when Real Madrid beat Barcelona thanks to a brilliant solo effort from Gareth Bale.
“I am happy to say I have 24 players with special abilities.”
Ahli and Jazira have met twice in the league this season, with the first in Dubai a 2-2 draw and the second a 3-1 win for the league champions.
“Losing against Ahli in Round 22 is a thing of the past,” said Khamis Esmail, Jazira’s defensive midfielder. “The cup final is a fresh challenge, totally different from a league match.
“It is true that Ahli have been better than us in all competitions this season, but we can’t think about that. This is a one-off match and anything can happen in 90 minutes.
“We know it will be a tough game, but with effort and concentration we can win it.”
The victor tonight will be the first club in the six seasons of the competition to win it twice.
arizvi@thenational.ae
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Farasan Boat: 128km Away from Anchorage
Director: Mowaffaq Alobaid
Stars: Abdulaziz Almadhi, Mohammed Al Akkasi, Ali Al Suhaibani
Rating: 4/5
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
ICC T20 Rankings
1. India - 270 ranking points
2. England - 265 points
3. Pakistan - 261 points
4. South Africa - 253 points
5. Australia - 251 points
6. New Zealand - 250 points
7. West Indies - 240 points
8. Bangladesh - 233 points
9. Sri Lanka - 230 points
10. Afghanistan - 226 points
Company%20Profile
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Profile
Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari
Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.
Number of employees: Over 50
Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised
Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital
Sector of operation: Transport
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
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Dust storm
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
TALE OF THE TAPE
Manny Pacquiao
Record: 59-6-2 (38 KOs)
Age: 38
Weight: 146lbs
Height: 166cm
Reach: 170cm
Jeff Horn
Record: 16-0-1 (11 KOs)
Age: 29
Weight: 146.2lbs
Height: 175cm
Reach: 173cm
Results
5pm: Wadi Nagab – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m; Winner: Al Falaq, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
5.30pm: Wadi Sidr – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: AF Majalis, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Fakhama, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash
6.30pm: Wadi Shees – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Mutaqadim, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7pm: Arabian Triple Crown Round-1 – Listed (PA) Dh230,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Bahar Muscat, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
7.30pm: Wadi Tayyibah – Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Poster Paint, Patrick Cosgrave, Bhupat Seemar
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
Leaderboard
15 under: Paul Casey (ENG)
-14: Robert MacIntyre (SCO)
-13 Brandon Stone (SA)
-10 Laurie Canter (ENG) , Sergio Garcia (ESP)
-9 Kalle Samooja (FIN)
-8 Thomas Detry (BEL), Justin Harding (SA), Justin Rose (ENG)
Racecard
6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes (PA) Group 3 Dh175,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
7.05pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
7.40pm: Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,200m
8.50pm: Dubai Creek Mile (TB) Listed Dh265,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) Dh190,000 (D) 1,600m
The National selections
6.30pm: Chaddad
7.05pm: Down On Da Bayou
7.40pm: Mass Media
8.15pm: Rafal
8.50pm: Yulong Warrior
9.25pm: Chiefdom
