Dubai: Going by past performances, the scales are heavily tipped in favour of Al Ahli Club as they bid to win the inaugural UAE Beach Soccer League when the final stages of the competition are played on Thursday and Friday at Al Mamzar Beach.
Thursday's semi-finals will see Al Ahli up against fellow Dubai side Al Nasr and Hatta Club take on Ajman.
Al Ahli look the strongest among the four that have made it this far. Led by mercurial Portuguese Joao Victor Saraiva [Madjer], they also have his compatriot Rui Coimbra in midfield, Swiss captain Stephan Maier and Iranian Hussain Ahmad among their ranks.
Madjer has been at his scoring best in this competition with a tally of 22 goals, of which six came in their quarter-final against Al Hamriya last week.
Al Nasr have also looked strong with the help of UAE players led by national team striker Abbas Ali and goalkeeper Humaid Jamal. In the qualifying round they did well to match Al Ahli in spells, but a double strike from Madjer and Maier within two minutes settled the match.
In their quarter-finals last week, Al Nasr beat Ittihad Kalba 5-3, while Al Ahli thrashed Al Hamriya 14-4.
Hatta Club, motivated by the presence of former UAE striker Bakhit Saad, will be up against hard-working opponents in Ajman.
Hatta beat Dibba Al Hosn 7-3 in the last eight, while Ajman coasted to an 8-5 drubbing of Al Orooba.
After Thursday's semi-finals, the third place play-off and final will be held at the same venue on Friday evening.
