UAE U23s carry burden of ‘golden generation’ as Abdullah Misfir leads nation’s Olympic dream

The UAE Under 23 team has legacy of a ‘golden generation’ to live up to as they begin their campaign to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Games, writes Ali Khaled.

The UAE Under-23 team start their Asian Championship campaign in the hope of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games. Courtesy: UAE FA

The man tasked with taking the UAE’s Under 23 team to the Olympics knew the question was coming and tackled it head on before it was asked.

“I don’t have ‘Amoory’. We have only one Amoory in the UAE, right?,” coach Abdullah Misfir said. “I have a team, I don’t have individuals.

“No exception.”

Indeed, none of the squad heading to the AFC U23 Championships in Qatar next month, which doubles up as qualifiers for the Rio Olympics next year, can be compared to the golden boy of Emirati football, Omar Abdulrahman.

Misfir agrees that Abdulrahman’s generation, which reached the 2012 London Olympics after years of gradual success at age-group levels under the guidance of Mahdi Ali, casts a big shadow on the new crop of players.

“What that group achieved as youth, Olympic or first-team players does put pressure on everyone that comes after that,” he said.

“It is hard to replicate. But we hope we can repeat their achievements, to prove that Emirati football is heading down the right path.”

Misfir points out that while Mahdi Ali had moulded a squad over several years, he is trying to create one from scratch.

“A coach that works with players for a long time finds few problems transmitting these ideas from one stage to the next,” he said.

“Today it’s different, but I’m certain should the UAE qualify to the 2018 World Cup, the majority of these players will have a part to play in the squad.”

On Wednesday, Misfir’s team meet North Korea in the first of four friendlies before the start of the AFC U23 Championships on January 12.

Injuries and club commitments have been tough on the Emirati coach, reflected by inconsistent results.

October’s West Asian Football Federation U23 Championships saw a 2-1 loss to Syria and 4-3 win over Oman.

Since then the UAE have lost 5-2 to Qatar, and then won one friendly 1-0 and lost another 2-1 to Saudi Arabia last month.

“Some were expecting better results but I think we did well while still getting used to each other,” Misfir said.

“Even though we lost to Syria we had 67 per cent possession, we posed big threats to goal, but we lacked cohesion. Against Qatar, that squad had many of the new players.

“For the friendlies, we had 14 players missing.”

Misfir is frustrated he has not had enough time with several of his best prospects.

Forwards Mohammed Al Akbari (Al Wahda) and Ahmed Al Attas (Al Jazira) have been with the UAE senior squad but now return. Al Dhafra defender Abdulrahman Yousef links up with the squad for the first time. Al Ain’s excellent midfielder Ahmed Barman has had club commitments. Sharjah forward Yousef Saeed and Al Ain goalkeeper Mohammed Abu Sanda were injured but have recovered to join Misfir’s squad of 27.

“We had a problem with the players readiness but thankfully most have started to play regularly for their clubs,” he said.

“We have scouted how many matches, minutes and even the different positions each player has had.

The challenge for places is healthy. We have two players for every position.”

Having players back from injuries is only half the battle for Misfir as he tries to ensure his squad are tournament ready. “I rely on the ones who are ready only and have been playing for their clubs,” he said.

“Many have been away in the past — that was necessary — but they are back now. You can’t do anything about injuries. Also from a technical sense it’s important to be ready.

“You have to be ready physically and technically.”

The UAE kick off their AFC U23 Championship campaign against Australia on January 14, and Misfir is confident his team can “finish in the top three” and qualify for the Rio Games.

“The fans are always looking for results, but don’t know what it takes to get the team ready,” Misfir said.

“You never know what happens during a tournament. As a team we are ready, and I have huge faith in them.

“What worries me is the focus of the players, but if they concentrate and work towards a goal we will have no issues.”

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