DUBAI // Abdullah Al Naboodah, the Al Ahli chairman, says progression to the Asian Champions League final is reward for the long-term plans put in place by the club four years ago.
On Tuesday, the Dubai side qualified for the continental competition’s showpiece for the first time in their history, defeating Al Hilal 3-2 at the Rashid Stadium to seal the semi-final 4-3 on aggregate. Kwon Kyung-won’s injury-time goal proved decisive after Ahli had earlier surrendered a two-goal lead.
During Al Naboodah’s tenure, the club have won the 2013/14 Arabian Gulf League – their first top-flight title in five years – the 2012 and 2014 Etisalat Cups and the 2013 President’s Cup.
Now, focus shifts to the Champions League crown, with Ahli to play Guangzhou Evergrande, the Chinese side who lifted the trophy two years ago, over two legs next month.
“I never lost hope in the players, even in the second half, which was tough on them,” said Al Naboodah, who received congratulatory phone calls from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Ahli president.
“After all, the club’s motto is to fight until the end, and four years ago it had set a plan to achieve a number of championships.
“The club won all the local championships, but failed to qualify for last season’s Asian Champions League by one point. We are happy with qualification, but from this point on, we should set our mind on the final.
“This qualification is an achievement for Al Ahli as it is a first in our history, but our ambitions do not end here. There is still an important milestone awaiting us – the title – and we will not stop until we get there.
“We should step up our efforts to win the championship and honour all of the UAE, whose banner we now play under.”
Ahmed Khalil, the Ahli captain who has scored six goals en route to the final, thanked the club board for their support, adding: “Our qualification to the final is our payback for the great efforts that were made to lead us to this point.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
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Emirates Cricket Board Women’s T10
ECB Hawks v ECB Falcons
Monday, April 6, 7.30pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The match will be broadcast live on the My Sports Eye Facebook page
Hawks
Coach: Chaitrali Kalgutkar
Squad: Chaya Mughal (captain), Archara Supriya, Chamani Senevirathne, Chathurika Anand, Geethika Jyothis, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kashish Loungani, Khushi Sharma, Khushi Tanwar, Rinitha Rajith, Siddhi Pagarani, Siya Gokhale, Subha Srinivasan, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish
Falcons
Coach: Najeeb Amar
Squad: Kavisha Kumari (captain), Almaseera Jahangir, Annika Shivpuri, Archisha Mukherjee, Judit Cleetus, Ishani Senavirathne, Lavanya Keny, Mahika Gaur, Malavika Unnithan, Rishitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Shashini Kaluarachchi, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Vaishnave Mahesh
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
The specs: 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali
Price, base / as tested Dh207,846 / Dh220,000
Engine 6.2L V8
Transmission Eight-speed automatic
Power 420hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque 624Nm @ 4,100rpm
Fuel economy, combined 13.5L / 100km
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
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If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
On the menu
First course
▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water
▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle
Second course
▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo
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▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro
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Dessert
▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate
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CREW
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Tips for entertaining with ease
· Set the table the night before. It’s a small job but it will make you feel more organised once done.
· As the host, your mood sets the tone. If people arrive to find you red-faced and harried, they’re not going to relax until you do. Take a deep breath and try to exude calm energy.
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The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding