Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the UAE game. Courtesy: UAEFA
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the UAE game. Courtesy: UAEFA
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the UAE game. Courtesy: UAEFA
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed at the UAE game. Courtesy: UAEFA

Government

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed cheers UAE to victory in the home end

UAE book their place in the quarter-finals of the Asian Cup with a 3-2 win over Kyrgyzstan

Faisal Salah
Faisal Salah
Abu Dhabi

January 22, 2019

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The UAE national team's spirits were lifted on Monday by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed cheering on the side in the home end.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces was seen watching the UAE's narrow 3-2 win against Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium alongside his daughter and other dignitaries.

They were joined in the stadium by a large contingent of Kyrgyz fans who were just as loud as the home team's support.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was joined by other dignitaries at the match. Courtesy UAEFA
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was joined by other dignitaries at the match. Courtesy UAEFA

Sheikh Mohamed’s presence inspired Emirati fans who could not make it to the Kyrgyzstan game to turn out in full force for the UAE’s next match, which will be against Australia.

Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs, called on UAE fans to get behind the team.

"The national pride accompanying the UAE’s win over Kyrgyzstan is more important than the match itself and the team’s performance in the tournament," he tweeted.

"Supporting the national team by all citizens, led by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, shows how well the country is doing."

The UAE will meet Australia – the defending Asian Cup champions – in the quarter-finals on Friday at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain.

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Asian Cup: Alberto Zaccheroni praises UAE's 'strong personality' 

  • UAE players celebrate their opening goal during their 3-2 win over Kyrgyzstan in the second round of the Asian Cup. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National
    UAE players celebrate their opening goal during their 3-2 win over Kyrgyzstan in the second round of the Asian Cup. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National
  • Kyrgyzstan fans cheer during the match at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
    Kyrgyzstan fans cheer during the match at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.
  • Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi, left, in action.
    Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi, left, in action.
  • Khamis Esmaeel Zayed in action.
    Khamis Esmaeel Zayed in action.
  • Ismail Ahmed Mohamed, left, pursued by Kyrgyzstan's Vitalij Lux.
    Ismail Ahmed Mohamed, left, pursued by Kyrgyzstan's Vitalij Lux.
  • Khamis Esmaeel Zayed and Sagynbaev Bekzhan in action.
    Khamis Esmaeel Zayed and Sagynbaev Bekzhan in action.
  • Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi, centre, is halted by two Kyrgyzstan defenders.
    Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi, centre, is halted by two Kyrgyzstan defenders.
  • Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi, right, of UAE, runs with the ball.
    Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi, right, of UAE, runs with the ball.
  • UAE's Khalfan Mubarak Al Shamsi, centre, tracks a Kyrgyzstan attack.
    UAE's Khalfan Mubarak Al Shamsi, centre, tracks a Kyrgyzstan attack.
  • Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi takes a shot.
    Bandar Mohamed Al Ahbabi takes a shot.
  • UAE manager Alberto Zaccheroni.
    UAE manager Alberto Zaccheroni.
  • UAE manager Alberto Zaccheroni.
    UAE manager Alberto Zaccheroni.
  • Khamis Esmaeel, centre, blocks the ball.
    Khamis Esmaeel, centre, blocks the ball.
  • Sagynbaev Bekzhan, right, of Kyrgyzstan runs with the ball.
    Sagynbaev Bekzhan, right, of Kyrgyzstan runs with the ball.
  • UAE fans before the start of the match,
    UAE fans before the start of the match,
UAE