Riyadh: The UAE arrived in Riyadh on Wednesday ahead of their Gulf Cup title defence buoyed by the news that Al Ain defender Esmail Ahmad has been named in the three-man shortlist for the AFC Asian Player of the Year Award.
Ahmad, 31, is up against Saudi Arabia’s Nasser Al Shamrani — who achieved infamy when he appeared to spit at an opponent during the AFC Champions League final second leg against Western Sydney Warriors earlier this month — and Qatar’s Khalfan Ebrahim, who also won the award in 2006. The winner will be announced in Manila, Philippines, on November 30.
Meanwhile, the Whites are reporting a full bill of health coming into the Gulf Cup, with big doubt Omar Abdul Rahman looking fit to play following a knee injury after running out for the second half of last Thursday’s 3-2 friendly win over Lebanon on camp in Damman.
The UAE’s first training session in Riyadh, ahead of Friday’s opening game with Oman, was due to take place at Al Riyadh Stadium from 5pm to 7pm local time (6pm to 8pm UAE) on Wednesday.
