Al-Jazira stun star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli and take ADIB Cup final glory
AL-AIN: Abdullah Ramadan's remarkable 40-yard wonder strike and fancy footwork from ex-Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano helped fire underdogs Al-Jazira to a deserved 2-1 ADIB Cup final victory against star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club on Saturday night.
For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport
Hazza bin Zayed Stadium was a fitting setting for Saturday's epic showpiece between two heavyweights of the UAE game. On the day, Sharjah's serial winner Cosmin Olaroiu was confirmed as new national team head coach, prize midfielder Ramadan shook off an injury-ravaged campaign and generated a jaw-dropping reminder of his mesmerising talents on 18 minutes by blasting in from range.
This slender advantage for Adnoc Pro League's distant sixth-placed side against the runaway leaders would evaporate five minutes into the second half when prolific Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun followed up his own effort to level. But the momentum of Paulo Sousa's men was immediately checked on 55 minutes when DR Congo flyer Kebano produced a series of beguiling stepovers and lashed into the bottom corner.
Shabab Al-Ahli continued to predictably boss possession with 62 percent, and attempts on goal (17-9), although theynever truly looked like mounting a comeback to avoid this term's first domestic defeat. The final whistle handed the spirited Pride of Abu Dhabi their second ADIB Cup crown and just third trophy since the 2017-2018 season off.
Arab News looks at some key talking points from the decider:
A new era for Jazira
The 2024-2025 season has been a time of change for Jazira.
Club legend and record goal scorer Ali Mabkhout made a high-profile summer departure to Al-Nasr, while they began this campaign without a permanent Dutch manager at the helm for the first time since Brazilian Abel Braga's mistaken summer 2015 return. Bold calls that have not always appeared judicious via mixed fortunes under Morocco's Hussein Ammouta.
This, however, felt like a fork in the road. Big-name stars stood up tall, France's World Cup 2018 winning playmaker Nabil Fekir oozed class with every silky touch and ex-Arsenal stalwart Mohamed Elneny battled hard from an unfamiliar centre-back role.
Ammouta's residual capacity to inspire, as shown with shock 2023 AFC Asian Cup finalists Jordan, was also on display. Heroes emerged across the pitch — including starlets Mamadou Coulibaly, Vinicius Mello, Ravil Tagir and Ilyass Lagrimi.
This could be the start of something very special.
Shabab Al-Ahli continue to stumble at the finishing line
Another big game, another big disappointment for Shabab Al-Ahli.
ADIB Cup final defeat follows elimination in the AFC Champions League Elite play-off round to Qatar's unexceptional Al-Gharafa and penalty shootout defeat to rivals Sharjah in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.
This campaign could finish with the Adnoc Pro League, President's Cup, Qatar–UAE Challenge Shield and Emaar Super Cup trophies residing at Rashid Stadium. Yet there is a sense of immense potential being left unfulfilled.
UAE wide men Yahya Al-Ghassani and unused substitute Harib Abdalla could certainly use some more game time, while fellow international Sultan Adil may further freshen up their attack after a lengthy absence.
A monstrous 11-point league gap — albeit with second-placed Sharjah holding a game in hand — gives opportunity for experimentation.
A final worthy of the fanfare
Pre-match ceremonies often feel like duds after kick-off.
This engrossing final, however, most certainly was not.
Early entertainment sparked by traditional dancers allied with booming pyrotechnics before kick-off reached its high point upon the novel sight of sponsors ADIB's ATM dispensing the match ball. Nobody watching felt short-changed about what followed.
Styles make fights and Jazira's counter-punching approach took the shine off glittering Shabab Al-Ahli.
Urged on by a strong crowd in Al-Ain, this was a chance for UAE football to show off. It surely did.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
5 hours ago
- Leaders
Preview: Al-Hilal Target Vital Win Over Salzburg in Club World Cup
Saudi powerhouse Al-Hilal will be seeking to build on their strong draw against Real Madrid when they face Red Bull Salzburg on Sunday in a pivotal Group H second round Club World Cup showdown, as the Blue Waves aim for a victory that will significantly boost their chances of advancing to the next stage. New Leadership, Strong Performances The Riyadh-based team entered this tournament with a new manager after they appointed Simone Inzaghi following his recent departure from Italian giants Inter Milan after a a tough 5-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain in UEFA Champions League final. The Saudi Pro League side earned a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Los Blancos. Ruben Neves successfully converted a penalty, canceling out Gonzalo Garcia's early opener. However, Al-Hilal enjoyed some good fortune when Federico Valverde missed a stoppage-time penalty. The draw means Al-Hilal avoided defeat in their last six matches overall, with their previous loss was a 3-1 setback against Al-Ahli in the AFC Champions League semi-finals. Furthermore, they have consistently found the net in their last 15 competitive outings. This impressive scoring run includes ten Saudi Pro League games, ultimately allowing them finish that campaign as the league's highest scorers with 95 goals. Inzaghi expects his team to display this attacking firepower, as the 49-year-old seeks another win against Salzburg, boasting a strong record. He has won three of his previous four encounters against the Austrian side during his coaching career. Salzburg's Strong Position and Offensive Threat Meanwhile, Salzburg, led by Thomas Letsch, clinched second place in the Austrian Bundesliga after his December appointment as a replacement for Pep Lijnders. they started their tournament well, defeating Mexico's Pachuca 2-1, with Oscar Gloukh and Karim Onisiwo provided the decisive goals, to climb to the top of the group ahead of this match. Consequently, Salzburg now sit two points ahead of both Real Madrid and Al-Hilal. They understand that a win on Sunday will secure them a spot in the tournament's last-16, making this game a crucial match ahead of their challenging final group game against Los Blancos. However, despite boasting an exciting, youthful attacking approach, they may struggle to contain Al-Hilal's potent attack since they have recorded only one clean sheet in their previous nine games. Predicted Lineups Inzaghi will likely deploy the same squad that drew with Real Madrid, including stars like Bounou, Koulibaly, and Neves to dominate this Al-Hilal vs Salzburg Club World Cup clash. Salzburg rely on young attackers like Gloukh and Onisiwo to challenge Al-Hilal's defense. However, Al-Hilal's experience and form give them an advantage. Expect a tight match, with Al-Hilal edging a narrow win. Possible Starting XI: RB Salzburg: Zawieschitzky; Lainer, Gadou, Ramussen, Kratzig; Bidstrup, Diabate; Dorgeles, Gloukh; Onisiwo, Vertessen. Al-Hilal: Bono; Cancelo, Tambakti, Koulibaly, Lodi; Neves, N. Al-Dawsari; Malcolm, Milinkovic-Savic, S. Al-Dawsari; Leonardo. Watch this thrilling matchup as Al-Hilal seek to confirm their place in the knockout stage, promising an engaging clash of style and strategy. Short link : Post Views: 1
Leaders
4 days ago
- Leaders
Live Action: Real Madrid v Al-Hilal (FIFA Club World Cup)
Leaders-Mena magazine will provide a live coverage for Wednesday's game between Real Madrid and Al-Hilal in the first round of Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup. Real Madrid v Al-Hilal Stay tuned as match is due to start at 22:00 KSA time (GMT+3) Venue: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami, USA) Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentine) Check the match preview here. Short link : Post Views: 6 Related Stories
Leaders
4 days ago
- Leaders
Preview: Al-Hilal Launch Club World Cup Bid Against Real Madrid
Saudi giants Al-Hilal will officially commence Italian coach Simone Inzaghi's era when they face European powerhouse Real Madrid in Group H of the FIFA Club World Cup at Hard Rock Stadium on Wednesday. Real Madrid also head into the tournament under new management. They recently appointed Xabi Alonso following his departure from Bayer Leverkusen. Inzaghi departed Inter Milan just weeks ago following their heavy Champions League final loss. His successful four-year tenure included one Serie A title plus four domestic cups. Al-Hilal appointed him swiftly after their second-place league finish behind Al-Ittihad. Inzaghi must reclaim the Saudi title next season starting now. Formidable Challenge for Riyadh Side Real Madrid present an incredibly tough opening test for Al-Hilal, since the Spanish giants boast a record fifteen European Cup triumphs. Al-Hilal remain clear underdogs facing the mighty Madrid squad. Nevertheless, their potent attack netted ninety-five league goals last season. They recall scoring three times during the 2023 final loss. Real Madrid endured a trophyless domestic season under Carlo Ancelotti who subsequently departed early for the Brazil national team job. Alonso returns to his former club after leaving Bayer Leverkusen, seeking his first trophy immediately adding Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Madrid-based side aim for their sixth Club World Cup title. Team News and Tactical Notes As for Al-Hilal, Inzaghi will likely implement his favoured 3-5-2 formation, which may require some adjustment from the Riyadh-based side's squad. Bono should feature between the posts, as the former Sevilla goalkeeper will be shielded by Kalidou Koulibaly, Hassan Tambakti, and Ali Al-Bulayhi. Aleksandar Mitrovic will be one of Al-Hilal's main attacking threats, as he scored 28 goals in 36 competitive appearances in the 2024-25 campaign. Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy have all travelled to the USA despite their injury issues. However, the quintet are unlikely to play a role in Wednesday's contest, though defender Antonio Rudiger is doubtful after undergoing meniscus surgery in April. Brazilian forward Endrick is not expected to play in the tournament after sustaining a hamstring injury last month. However, Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen are both set to make their highly-anticipated debuts following their arrivals from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively. Alonso also revealed that his French star Kylian Mbappe is doubtful for the game due to illness, which could be a huge blow for the Spanish giants, who would hope to replicate his form from his first La Liga campaign. Possible Starting Lineups: Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Nacho, Rudiger, Garcia; Valverde, Tchouameni, Bellingham; Rodrygo, Vinicius Jr., Guler Al-Hilal: Bono; Tambakti, Koulibaly, Al-Bulayhi; Cancelo, Kanno, Neves, Milinkovic-Savic, Al-Dawsari; Malcom, Mitrovic Real Madrid and Al-Hilal previously met in the competition's final in Morocco in February 2023, claiming a 5-3 victory, with doubles from Vinicius Junior and Federico Valverde. Los Blancos will now look to add a new trophy to their growing silverware cabinet, as they also aim to increase the gap with their arch-rivals Barcelona, who claimed the tournament's title three times. Meanwhile, the Riyadh giants will enter motivated to exceed past performances and possibly lift their first ever Club World Cup title. Short link : Post Views: 8
