Exciting President’s Cup last-16 matches on cards

Mohammad Abdullah, Staff Reporter

Dubai: The draw for the Round of the last-16 of the UAE President’s Cup 2019-20 and UAE Football Association’s awards ceremony for the 2018-19 were held in Dubai on Tuesday under the patronage of Sheikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and the President of the UAE Football Association.

All the 16 teams will battle it out for a place in the quarter-finals as the round of the last 16 promises an action-packed season ahead.

The 16 teams have been divided into two groups of eight teams each. An exciting battle is on the cards after the top teams have been pitted against each other.

In the top of the table clash of the Group A, Arabian Gulf League (AGL) champions Sharjah have been drawn against Hatta. Sharjah got off to a disappointing start in the AGC with two defeats in their two matches while Hatta are at the fifth spot with one point after one loss and one draw.

Dubai-based club Al Wasl will play Khorfakkan while Ajman will meet Al Dhafra – the last year runners-up.  Al Dhafra had beaten Sharjah in the semi-finals of the last edition while Al Wasl were beaten by Shabab Al Ahli.

In the last match of the round of last-16, Ittihad Kalba will meet a team first division team, who will progress by virtue of their performance in their division.

In the first match of the Group B, Al Jazira were drawn against Al Wahda as Bani Yas face Fujairah.

Al Wahda maintained a perfect start to the season by claiming two wins from as many matches in AGC. They are on top of the Group B with six points.

Al Ain will also meet a team from the first division. Shabab Al Ahli will battle it out with Al Nasr for a place in the quarter-finals.

Shabab Al Ahli Dubai are the defending champions who defeated Al Dhafra in the final of the tournament last year to complete a domestic double with Arabian Gulf Cup (AGC) title in kitty also.

Meanwhile, Marwan Bin Gheleita, President of the UAE Football Association, praised the support of the country’s leadership for local sports, especially football, stressing that this support is a major reason for the success of Emirati sports and has made the country a capital of international sports, through its hosting of many international sporting events.

He also thanked Sheikh Hazza for supporting the event and praised his directives.