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Gulf Today
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Al Jazira stun Shabab Al Ahli to clinch second ADIB Cup crown
Al Jazira lifted the ADIB Cup for the second time in their history with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Shabab Al Ahli at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday night, delivering a memorable performance in front of an electric crowd. The Pride of Abu Dhabi, who first won the ADIB Cup title in the 2019-20 season, struck first in the 18th minute through midfield maestro Abdalla Ramadan, who unleashed a thunderous long-range strike that left the goalkeeper no chance. His rocket of a shot smashed into the back of the net, igniting celebrations among the Jazira faithful and giving his side a crucial early lead. The goal marked Ramadan's fourth in the competition this season, continuing his strong run of form, with his last two goals notably coming against Shabab Al Ahli. Shabab Al Ahli came out firing after the break and were rewarded for their pressure just five minutes into the second half. Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun rose to the occasion, heading the ball powerfully onto the crossbar before pouncing on the rebound to fire home a composed finish from close range. In doing so, Azmoun made history by becoming the first Iranian player to score in an ADIB Cup final, offering his side a glimmer of hope. However, Al Jazira responded almost instantly with a moment of brilliance. Just five minutes after conceding the equaliser, they reclaimed the lead in stunning fashion. Congolese international Neeskens Kebano was at the heart of it, latching onto a beautifully threaded pass from Vinicius Mello. With a burst of pace, Kebano skipped past right-back Kauan Silva and, from a tight angle, slotted a precise shot into the bottom corner. His goal not only secured the win for Jazira but also made history, as he became the first Congolese player to score in an ADIB Cup final. Al Jazira's mix of attacking flair and resolute defending was enough to see out the remainder of the match, as they held off a determined Shabab Al Ahli side to clinch the title. 'We've been navigating a very difficult season, so to come away with a trophy—especially against a team that's leading the Pro League and has already lifted this cup five times—is a tremendous achievement,' said Al Jazira manager Hussein Ammouta. 'It hasn't been an easy journey. There were highs and lows, but winning a title like this brings much-needed confidence to the squad. 'It gives the players belief and motivation to finish the season strong, and of course, it brings immense joy to our fans and club management.' Ammouta, who took over at Al Jazira in July following his remarkable run to the AFC Asian Cup final with Jordan, is no stranger to UAE football, having played for Sharjah during the 2002–2003 season. 'The ADIB Cup was our only realistic shot at silverware this season, and I'm truly delighted that we managed to take it,' the Moroccan coach added. 'The players gave everything tonight. They understood the importance of this match and rose to the occasion for the fans. We created our first real chance in the 12th minute and converted the second. From there, we stayed focused on the essentials—maintaining composure, sticking to the plan, and above all, showing resilience. They never gave up, and that determination made all the difference.' Shabab Al Ahli manager Paulo Sousa acknowledged his team's missed opportunities in front of goal while crediting Al Jazira for their performance. 'We certainly created our chances, but on the night, the better team came out on top,' the Portuguese coach admitted. 'After Jazira took the lead in the first half, we responded well and managed to equalise. However, we couldn't hold on to that momentum for long. We had opportunities to score another goal or two, but it just wasn't our night.' Sousa also reflected on the broader picture, adding: 'Of course, we're disappointed with the result, but it was an entertaining match for the fans. Now, our focus shifts back to the Pro League as we look to maintain our position at the top.' Al Jazira players celebrate with the trophy after winning the ADIB Cup final against Shabab Al Ahli.
The National
20-04-2025
- Sport
- The National
'We gave everything': Al Jazira stun UAE Pro League leaders Shabab Al Ahli to lift ADIB Cup
Struggling in mid table and 21 points behind the runaway Pro League leaders Shabab Al Ahli, Al Jazira came up trumps in the ADIB League Cup at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday. Abdalla Ramadan put them ahead on 18 minutes. Sardar Azmoun equalised five minutes into the second half but it took just another five minutes for Frenchman Neeskens Kebano to regain the lead for their first silverware since winning the Pro League in 2021. It was also the second time Jazira had won the competition after success in the 2009-2010 season. 'We are going through a very tough season and to win a trophy against a side who are leading the Pro League race and won the cup five times already was a great effort,' said Jazira manager Hussein Ammouta, the former Jordan coach who has been the subject of interest from the Iraqi FA who are seeking to fill their vacant national team post. 'There were both good and bad moments during the season but winning a title provides the players the confidence to carry on with some good performances in the remainder of the season, and certainly providing immense joy to the fans and our management.' Ammouta took charge of Jazira in July, five months after leading Jordan to a historic Asian Cup final. He is also no stranger to the UAE having played for Sharjah in the 2002-2003 season. 'The ADIB Cup was the only title we could win this season and I'm very glad we did it tonight,' the Moroccan added. 'It was a great effort from my players. They were aware this was the only trophy we could win this season and they gave everything to win for their fans tonight. 'We created the first scoring chance on 12 minutes and scored off the second opportunity. We focussed on the important things on the pitch and above all the players never gave up on their bid to win this title. 'I always believe in teamwork. I believe that what happened tonight, and the achievement of this victory, is a result of our efforts. Our administration had a very big role in the success of the team. 'I always believe in the work of the entire team, which are the players and the management. Sometimes, there are difficult times but I believe Jazira can take a lot of positives forward from the ADIB Cup.' It was a close game with Shabab Al Ahli unlucky not to equalise when Azmoun's effort from close range ricocheted off the near post in added time. 'It indeed was a high level game. There was a good atmosphere and a tactical presence. I think my team deserved this win,' Ammouta added. Commenting on the success, the Jazira captain and long serving goalkeeper Ali Khaseif said winning one of the three domestic titles was an achievement worth celebrating. 'All teams play for the trophies and achieving it is a great joy to the players, fans and to our management,' he said. 'We haven't had success since last winning the Pro League [in 2021] and tonight we celebrate. Of course it's a joyous moment and hopefully we'll now look in improving our position in the Pro League table.' Ramadan, who scored with a stunning long-range effort, said his father sent him a text message before the match with instructions. 'He texted me to shoot at the goal as powerfully as I could from wherever I got space and that's exactly what I did. It was in my mind all through the game and that goal set us up for the win,' he said with a smile. The Shabab Al Ahli manager Paulo Sousa was gracious in defeat and pointed out his players couldn't find the final touch from the scoring opportunities they created. 'We certainly had our chances but it was the better team on the night,' the Portuguese manager said. 'We came back strongly after Jazira took the lead in the first half. We scored the equaliser but couldn't hold on to it for long. We also had chances to score a goal or two but that didn't happen. 'Obviously we are disappointed. It was a good game for the fans and now we move on to the Pro League to maintain our lead.'
Gulf Today
19-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Al Jazira edge past Shabab Al Ahli to clinch ADIB Cup crown
Al Jazira defeated Shabab Al Ahli 2-1 to claim the ADIB Cup's title for the second time in their history at Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium on Saturday. Abdalla Ramadan found the breakthrough for Al Jazira after 18 minutes before Sardar Azmoum canceled out the Pride of Abu Dhabi's opener, but Neeskens Kebano quickly restored the lead five minutes after Shabab Al Ahli's equalizer. Abdalla Ramadan fired Al Jazira in front after 18 minutes when he unleashed a long-range unstoppable strike that smashed the back of the net. Ramadan scored his fourth goal in the ADIB Cup, with his last two goals being against Shabab Al Ahli. Sardar Azmoum hit the equalizer for Shabab Al Ahli in the 50th minute as his powerful header cannoned off the bar, before finding the back of the net with a clinical finish from a close range. Azmoum became the first Iranian player to score in the ADIB Cup's final. The Pride of Abu Dhabi quickly restored the lead five minutes later when Neeskens Kebano latched onto a brilliant pass from Vinicius Mello to skip past the right-back Kauan Silva to steer the ball into the bottom corner from a tight angle, becoming the first Congolese player to score in the ADIB Cup's final.
