Al Jazira begin title defence against promoted Ajman
dubai — The newly-merged Shabab Al Ahli Dubai will take on Hatta, while Al Jazira will embark on their title defence at their fortess — the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium — against promoted Ajman, in the Arabian Gulf League on September 16.
The draw for the new season of the UAE top flight as well as the Cup was organised by the Pro League Committee at the UAE Football Association headquarters in Al Khawaneej on Thursday and the first week sees a lip-smacking fixture between record League champions Al Ain and Al Wasl at the iconic Hazza
Ajman and Hatta can turn the tables and can get favourable results Mohsen Mesabeh
bin Zayed Stadium.
The draw was conducted by former UAE international and Al Sharjah goalkeeper Mohsen Mesabeh and former Al Shabab player Yousif Uzair, with representatives of all the 12 clubs, in attendance.
The new season kicks-off with the Arabian Gulf Cup with the League champions Al Jazira and the Cup winners Shabab Al Ahli Dubai placed in Group A and B respectively.
The draw then saw Al Dhafra, Al Ain, Al Nasr, Hatta and Ajman join Al Jazira in Group A, with Al Wahda, Sharjah FC, Al Wasl, Emirates, Dibba and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai making up Group B.
Al Jazira are away to Al Dhafra in Round 1, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai make the trip to Abu Dhabi to face Al Wahda. Al Jazira and Al Ain then cross swords in Round 2.
Al Ain will play their first round fixture against Hatta on September 4 because of their commitments in the AFC Champions League.
The traditional season-opener — the Arabian Gulf Super Cup between League champions Al Jazira and President’s Cup champions Al Wahda is scheduled for September 15.
Meanwhile, the third week of the League sees the fierce derby fixture between Al Ain and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai at the Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, while Al Jazira’s first big test comes at home against former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli’s Al Nasr.
Al Jazira then meet Al Wasl away in Week 5, with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai taking on another
There will be tough matches for teams such as Ajman Yousif Uzair
merged club Sharjah FC. Week 6 sees Shabab Al Ahli Dubai at home to Al Wahda, while Al Jazira host Shabab Al Ahli Dubai in Week 7. The same week sees Al Wahda at home to Al Ain and the Bur Dubai Derby between Al Nasr and Al Wasl. Al Ain meet Al Jazira in Week 8. Mohsen Mesabeh felt that Hatta and promoted Ajman could spring surprises in the new season. “Ajman and Hatta can turn the tables and can get favourable results,” Mesabeh said during the draw.
Meanwhile, Uzair reckoned Ajman will have to be well prepared for the different level of football that they will face in the top flight.
“There will be tough matches for teams such as Ajman. They need to be prepared,” said Uzair.
james@khaleejtimes.com