UAE AFU set up title showdown with Sirisao

The UAE Association for Universities (UAE AFU) thumped Al Maqam while Sirisao stunned defending champions Dubai Police in the semi-final of the Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Ramadan Football Championship played at the Dubai Police Club.

Debutants Sirisao beat the hosts and two-time champions Dubai Police 1-0. Sirisao opened the account in the first-half and maintained their lead till the end.

Dubai Police tried to make a comeback into the match but squandered chances which came their way.

The two-time winners UAE Association for Universities will now meet Sirisao in the final on Sunday.

Earlier, UAE Association for Universities drubbed Al Maqam 7-1 in another last eight clash.

UAE Association for Universities dominated the match from the beginning as their strikers were no match to the rivals defence.

Osama Al Shuaibi and Omar Khaled put UAE Association for Universities ahead just after few minutes of the game.

Al Maqam reduced the deficit through Osama Mohammed.

Shuaibi netted two more goals later as UAE Association for Universities took the match beyond Al Maqam reach.

Mohammed Obaid scored the sixth goal while Imad Balmsaud also added one more for the winners.

Dr Saeed Al Hassani, Chairman of the UAE Association for Universities, praised the return of his team to participate in the Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Ramadan Football Championship.

He also hailed the performance of the team. “The team is determined to clinch the third title after tasting success in 2013 and 2014 editions of the tournament.

“The win over a strong Al Maqam team reflects the determination of the our players to regain the title,” said Hassani.

“With the Dubai Police team knocked out, the road has been paved for the UAE Association for Universities team to turn the dream into reality, but we should not underestimate our opponents in the final,” he added. Colonel Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the Department of Sports Affairs of Dubai Police, commended the role played by the annual Maktoum Bin Rashid Memorial Football Championship in developing local talent in football.

“When we saw the response of teams from as far as Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, we thought it best to allow everyone to participate in this competition,” said Tournament coordinator Lieutenant General Nader Rashid.

“This tournament has traditionally been an attraction for some of the national team stars playing alongside the upcoming players from across the country. There are some of these players who have gone on to be spotted by local clubs and that is one of the highlights of this tournament since the past seven years now,” he added.