Hassan Chamas


Who are they? Al-Ahli Football Club
Where are they from? Dubai, United Arab Emirates
How did they qualify? As hosts, but were winners of the 2008/09 UAE Premier League

Winners of the Emirates’ domestic league trophy, Al-Ahli (Arabic meaning “The National”) take their place in the Club World Cup as hosts.

Founded in 1970, it took the club only four years to clinch two successive league championship trophies. Another identical accolade in 1979/80 was the last the Red Knights would see for 26 years, as they won the titles again only in 2006 and in 2009, making it five for the team from Dubai. However, things do not look bright for caretaker coach Mahdi Ali’s team this season: Sitting in ninth position, a vast 11 points off leaders Al Jazira, it would take something special for last year’s champions to hold the silverware again this term.

Expectations

The hosts go into the tournament as perhaps the weakest side. Seeded in their first match with Auckland City, Al-Ahli would more than glad to reach the semi-finals and go on to face Barcelona. Of course, their dream is to win the competition, but the club’s management is fully aware of the other high-calibre teams also present.

Key Players

Mohammed Qassim – Defender: Qassim’s veteran presence will be an important defensive aspect should Al-Ahli have any chances of pulling off some real shocks in this tournament. At the club since 2001, the defender leads by example and will need to be rock solid.

Jader Volnei Spindler (Bare) – Striker: One of many Brazilians plying his trade in the Middle East, the striker Bare could prove to be a deadly threat upfront. Having been prolific in Japanese football, the 27-year-old arrived in the UAE last year.

Hosny Abd Rabo – Midfielder: The Egyptian will be his team’s pivot and will be trusted with the task of breaking up the opposition’s play. Having enjoyed a spell in France with Strasbourg, Rabo should be used to international opposition and will see this as a real chance to impress.

Coach

Mahdi Ali: Currently serving at the club’s caretaker coach after the sacking of former manager Ioan Andone, this is a big chance for Ali to make his mark. The coach previously worked with the United Arab Emirates youth team, recently leading them to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Egypt. Al-Ahli fans will be hoping that Ali can have an instant impact.

Prediction

Even though the Club World Cup is thought by some to be a lower rank of trophy, all teams will nonetheless be eager to prove their worth and clinch it, giving them the title of best team in the world. With their recent woes though, it is hard to believe Al-Ahli can make a name for themselves in this competition, and therefore the UAE side will most probably be knocked-out in the first round. Anything more than that should be considered success.

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