Sharjah to begin title defence against Fujairah

Mohammad Abdullah, Staff Reporter

The match week one of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) is set to witness an action-packed first round as the reigning champions Sharjah will kick off their (AGL) title defence against Fujairah on Sept.9.

In the other top of the table clashes, Al Wahda host Hatta and Al Nasr face Al Jazira. While in the other fixtures of the round Shabab Al Ahli begin their campaign against Ittihad Kalba. Meanwhile, Al Ain host Khorfakkan and Ajman will take on Al Dhafra.

The draw for the new season of the Arabian Gulf League and Arabian Gulf Cup (AGC) was held at the headquarters of the Health Ministry in Dubai on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Al Nasr will begin their AGC title defence either against Ajman or Fujairah as being the reigning champions they start their campaign from the round of last eight.

Sharjah, being the AGL title holders, were also given a direct qualification to the quarter-finals, wherein they will meet either Al Wahda or Al Wasl match.

However, AGC matches will usher in the new season on Sept.3, to be followed by AGL in the next week.

The matchweek two of the AGL promises a more firebrand footballing action with Shabab Al Ahli hosting Al Ain and Al Wahda taking on Sharjah for the mouth-watering clashes. The remaining five fixtures of the Round 2 will see Khorfakkan face Al Nasr, Al Jazira meet Al Dhafra, Ajman take on Ittihad Kalba, Hatta duel with Al Wasl and Fujairah meet Bani Yas.

Earlier, under the slogan ‘Thank you, our first line of defence’, the UAE Pro League conducted 2020-21 Arabian Gulf League and Arabian Gulf Cup draw at the Ministry of Health and Prevention in Dubai.

The draw was attended by UAE Pro League Vice-Chairman Jamal Hamed Al Marri, Board Member and Technical Committee President Hassan Taleb Al Marri, Board Member Mohammed Obaid Al Yammahi and Undersecretary at the Ministry of Health and director of Dubai Medical District Nasser Khalifa Al Budoor.

In attendance through teleconferencing were representatives of the professional clubs.

The draw ceremony saw participation of representatives of the first line of defence institutions including Yaqoub Ahli from the Ministry of Interior, Dr Abdullah Musa Al Balooshi and nurse Muna Ibrahim Al Hosani from the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Khamis Al Meqbali from Dubai Police, Marwa Al Amoodi from National Ambulance and Abdullah Humaid Al Shamsi from the Civil Defence General Command.

The ceremony started with a speech from Abdulla Naser Al Junaibi, Chairman of the UAE Pro League.