Saturday cover: Ahmed Khalil and UAE believe in their home support

UAE striker Ahmed Khalil is on the cover for The National's sport section for Saturday, September 3.

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UAE striker Ahmed Khalil is on the cover for The National’s sport section for Saturday, September 3.

The UAE national team, fresh off a sensational 2-1 stunner of a win against Japan in the opener to the third and final Asian World Cup qualifying stage on Thursday, are already looking to Tuesday’s second of 10 Group B matches against Australia back in Abu Dabi.

John McAuley reports Khalil, who scored both goals against Japan, is encouraging fans to come and support the Emiratis in a bid to start with an improbably perfect six points.

“We will focus on that during the next phase, but we also say to the UAE fans that you are our No 1 player, we need you in the stands in front of the Australian team and we know you will not let us down.”

Read John's full report here.

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