Under-19s team dedicate cup to leaders

Abu Dhabi: The players, staff and UAE FA officials have dedicated the Asian Youth Championship trophy to their leaders and supporters.

The title has been dedicated to President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, their Highnesses, Members of the Supreme Council, the Rulers of the emirates, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and to the people of the UAE.

"I am proud to dedicate this championship title to our leaders and our people. It is just a small gift of gratitude for all their support and belief in us," Hamdan Al Kamali, the team captain told Gulf News at the airport.

"All my colleagues have fought their hearts out to achieve this victory and they will do the same in all the championships we take part in to hoist our country's flag high. We are looking forward to achieving a good result in the finals of the Under-20 World Cup next year in Egypt.

Recognition

"We are happy to dedicate the Asian Cup to our leaders in a gesture of recognition to all the facilities they provided for youth and sports. It is the least we can do," Yousuf Abdul Rahman, the team's custodian, added. "We are proud to win our country its first ever Asian title in football."

"It is always good to be able to repay the noble deeds of others," striker Ahmad Ali, added.

"We were faced with some very difficult situations during the tournament but the support we found from the people who were able to come to Saudi Arabia and support us helped greatly," striker Diab Awanah said.