Abu Dhabi: The UAE's woman footballers made history winning the 3rd West Asian Football Federation Women Football Championship on Sunday, after beating reigning champions Jordan with a single goal scored by Fatima Bint Mubarak in the 64th minute of the encounter.
The hosts, UAE, was taking part for the first time in the regional continental football tournament which was won by Jordan in the first two versions in 2005 and 2007 before surrendering their crown to the new champions following a well balanced and contested encounter in which the experience of the Jordanian players was matched by determination and high individual talent of the local ladies.
"I am overjoyed and delighted," Connie Selby, the coach of the UAE, said after the match. "It was our first international tournament and we won the title. I believe our team have played excellently and deserved to win the tilte having won all their matches in the competition."
Jalila Al Nuaimie, the captain of the team, said: "We dedicate this victory to all those who believed in us and have supported women football in our country specially to Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of Abu Dhabi Sports Council for unlimited support."
Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, the Chairman of the UAE FA, who attended the match and presented the trophy and awards to the winners said: "It is a big achievement and we are proud of our ladies team. I do believe this victory will lead to spreading and improving the women footballing game in the country. We, in the UAE FA, will do our best to support and help to achieve progress to women football."
