UAE juniors set to play in Asian event

Abu Dhabi: The UAE is expected to take part in the finals of the Asian Junior Football Championship in Uzbekistan following the suspension of Tajikistan by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

The UAE played the qualifiers in a group that also featured Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Tajikistan were suspended because of fielding players over the age limit.

The AFC announced that Tajikistan, Iraq and North Korea will not take part in the finals because of fielding older players in the under-16 qualifiers.

Following the decision, Turkmenistan will become the new leaders of the group and the UAE will be second and both will win promotion to the finals in Uzbekistan, from October 4-19.

Obaid Mubarak, of the UAE FA Technical Committee, said they are waiting for the confirmation.

Meanwhile, Jumaa Rabie, head coach of the UAE youth team, will announce on Saturday the 20 players who will face Egypt in a friendly in Cairo in March.