Thursday cover: Honours even for Al Ain and Al Ahli in first leg

The National's Sport cover for the Thursday, May 21 issue, featuring Al Ain and Al Ahli as they played to a goalless stalemate in the first leg of their Asian Champions League last 16 tie.

Maryam Al Shamsi reports on the match, noting the fierce rivalry between the two Arabian Gulf League clubs was not evident in the scoresheet:

“The first leg of the Asian Champions League last 16 tie between UAE rivals Al Ahli and Al Ain fizzled out into a 0-0 at the Rashid Stadium.

“It leaves the tie delicately poised ahead of next week’s second leg in Al Ain.”

John McAuley, also reporting from the match, quotes Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic: "Everything is open."

Added Dalic: “I can say nothing now because every time we play against Ahli it’s a tough game, both teams fight. This is always the way.”

Meanwhile, Al Ahli manager Cosmin Olaroiu said:

“The good thing is we didn’t concede a goal, but the bad thing is we created chances and didn’t score.

“When you play against a team like Al Ain you need to take the chances you create.”

Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

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If you go...

Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).

World Cricket League Division 2

In Windhoek, Namibia - Top two teams qualify for the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe, which starts on March 4.

UAE fixtures

Thursday February 8, v Kenya; Friday February 9, v Canada; Sunday February 11, v Nepal; Monday February 12, v Oman; Wednesday February 14, v Namibia; Thursday February 15, final

BORDERLANDS

Starring: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis

Director: Eli Roth

Rating: 0/5

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