Al Ain begin campaign against Qadiseya

The Al Ain junior team commences their campaign in the 17th GCC Under 17 league winners championship when they meet Kuwait's Qadiseya at 8.15pm (UAE time) today.

The match will be played at Doha's Jasim bin Hamad Stadium. The tourney was inaugurated yesterday with six teams taking part in it namely the hosts Al Sad of Qatar, defending champions Al Shabab from Saudi Arabia, Al Ain, Al Qadiseya of Kuwait, Al Ahli from Bahrain and Oman's Al Suwaiq.

The home team Al Sad and champions Al Shabab played the opening encountere late on Tuesday night. Al Ahli and Al Suwaiq are scheduled to meet in the first game today. The championship concludes on September 1.

The Al Ain squad of 26 players and officials left for Doha on August 19. They conducted a series of training sessions in Doha under coach Hamdi Noh.

Al Ain had their final training session at the Al Arabi Club. The team's technical staff concentrated on offensive tactics hoping to collect three valuable points from today's encounter.

The Al Ain juniors had a three week preparatory camp, prior to this event, in France. This was followed by a two-day training session in Dubai prior to their departure for Doha.

Their Kuwaiti opponents organised a two-week external camp in Egypt under the supervision of Yugoslavian coach Sondaik Dragan. "I have never seen Al Ain team before and I have no any idea about the other teams as well," said Dragan.

"But I expect the championship will throw up a high technical standard amidst strong competition."

Al Qadiseya are taking part in this event for the third time since its inception. Al Ain trainer Hamdi Noh assured that his team was ready to go.

"Our players are technically, physically and mentally fit to compete. We will give equal importance to all matches. We are here to fight hard and return home with the first GCC title for the UAE football at the junior level. I have enough confidence in my players' abilities."

Noh called on his players to double their efforts.

"I have little idea about the competing teams, but I think they are all ready for the clash. The team with better and fit players at the bench has a better chance to win the title," he concluded.