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19 March 2024

UAE coach sets his sights on 2018 World Cup

Ali Al Nabooda (left) of Al Nabooda Automobiles unveils Mahdi Ali as Audi Dubai brand ambassador on Monday. (SUPPLIED)

Published
By Allaam Ousman

Gulf Cup winning coach Mahdi Ali has set his sights on UAE qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The celebrated Emirati football coach outlined his ambitions after being unveiled as the new brand ambassador for Audi Dubai on Monday.

“It is a great honour to welcome Mahdi Ali as a brand ambassador for Audi Dubai and his support further strengthens our ongoing commitment to developing football in this region,” said Ali Al Nabooda, general manager Audi, Al Nabooda Automobiles.

“Mahdi Ali in a living legend in the UAE and one of the hardest working managers in football today and mentor to young aspiring players,” Nabooda added.

Ali retired from the game in 1998 before leading the youth national team through its 2008 win in the U19 Asia Cup, as well as their quarter final finish in the U19 World Cup in Cairo in 2009, the Silver Medal in the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou in China, their win in the U23 GCC Cup in 2010 and the Silver Medal in the U23 GCC Cup in 2011.

In August 2012, he was promoted to the UAE national team manager after leading the team through the 2011 and 2012 qualifying rounds for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the UAE’s first appearance at the Games. 

The appointment comes after Audi Dubai announced its new three-year sponsorship deal at Al Shabab Al Arabi Football Club.

Ali said that UAE is preparing with two objectives in mind – the Asian Cup 2015 taking place in Australia and the 2018 World Cup to be hosted by Russia.

“Our dream is to be one of the top four countries in Asia when the tournament gets underway in Melbourne in January. We have already won against Vietnam and Uzbekistan and now play Hong Kong in October. We will approach our qualification game by game,” he said.

UAE defeated Vietnam 2-1 and Uzbekistan by an identical margin and lead Group E with Hong Kong occupying the second place.

“We will be playing two friendlies on September 5 and 6 and take part in an international tournament in Saudi Arabia and also play two more friendlies before we meet Hong Kong,” Ali said.

“Our long term plan is to qualify for the 2018 World Cup Finals (Russia). We have a young team, we have a good chance if we continue with our programme. When we won the Gulf Cup (Bahrain) 16 of our players were under 23. We have proved that we possess the quality and the ability to do well,” he added.

Mahdi Ali also cautioned UAE star Omar Abdul Rahman against being enticed with transfer offers to Europe this summer.

“He is one of the talented players, but he has to do his move in stages. It is not easy to make a move. One has to study the social impact, the language barrier and adjust to the environment,” he said.

Abdul Rahman, 21, has been linked to several European clubs, having earned a two-week trial at Manchester City after his golden ball winning performance in the Gulf Cup.

“I hope we have some players who go and play in Europe and take the opportunity, because I’m sure it would improve their performances for the future. Omar has the ability to play abroad. I want him to succeed and hope to see an official proposal for him,” said Ali.

He said that UAE will provide full support for Yousuf Al Serkal, who is contesting for the post of the president of the Asian Football Confederation.

“It will be very good for UAE football and he has a good chance to be elected, our prayers are with him. It will be a big achievement for the UAE if he is elected on May 2," he said.