Dubai: The UAE soccer team coach Dominique Bathenay was optimistic about the team defending the Gulf Cup.
"The players have regained their confidence after an excellent game against Iran in the World Cup qualifiers. The 1-1 draw has been a morale-booster, ahead of the Gulf Cup," said the UAE coach on the FA website.
"This success will enable them to perform at the highest level and achieve success."
The Iranians scored the equaliser in the World Cup qualifiers after trailing until the last 10 minutes of the game.
The biennial event, to be held in Muscat, next month will, however, test the skills of the UAE players as they have been grouped among tough teams like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Yemen.
"It is going to be difficult to defend the title as other teams will play hard against us. But we are well prepared for the tough task ahead. The players should ensure that they don't commit any errors and keep the good work going," the coach added.
"We have to win at least two matches to qualify for the semifinals. This will not be easy against strong opponents like the Saudis and the Qataris."
Contrary to expectations, Bathenay selected only two players from the UAE under-19 squad, who clinched the Asian Cup and qualified for the World Youth Cup, to be held in Egypt next year.
Bathenay just chose Hamdan Kamali and Mohammad Faiz in addition to Ahmad Khalil.
"The senior team players are still young and their average age is 21 years. I selected two players from the youth team because they play regularly with their clubs in the league."
