Sheikh Mohamed welcomes champions Shabab Al Ahli to Qasr Al Bahr

Abu Dhabi: President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan received the Shabab Al Ahli football team at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, in recognition of their exceptional season, during which they secured four titles.

Sheikh Mohamed congratulated the players, head coach, and both the administrative and technical staff, along with the club’s supporters, on a season crowned with the UAE President’s Cup, the ADNOC Pro League title, the UAE Super Cup, and the UAE-Qatar Super Cup.

Strong sporting and competitive spirit

He also thanked all the teams that took part in the competitions, praising their strong sporting and competitive spirit, which continues to raise the level of football in the UAE and enhance its reputation on the local, regional, and international stage.

Sheikh Mohamed affirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing the sports sector as part of its broader vision to attain leading positions in various regional and international sporting arenas.

Shabab Al Ahli were crowned champions of the 48th edition of the UAE President’s Cup, securing the title for the 11th time in their history after defeating Sharjah 2-1 in the final at Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Decisive advantage

Sharjah took the lead through Marcos Meloni in the 14th minute, but Yuri Cesar equalised for Shabab Al Ahli in first-half stoppage time. Cesar then struck again in the 64th minute to give his side the decisive advantage.

With this victory, Shabab Al Ahli have now surpassed Sharjah in the number of UAE President’s Cup wins — 11 to 10.

They also secured the ADNOC Pro League trophy following a 2-1 win against Al Jazira Club at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium in the capital last weekend.