Latest news with #Jazira
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.
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Al-Jazira stun star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli and take ADIB Cup final glory
AL-AIN: Abdullah Ramadan's remarkable 40-yard wonder strike and fancy footwork from ex-Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano helped fire underdogs Al-Jazira to a deserved 2-1 ADIB Cup final victory against star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club on Saturday night. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Hazza bin Zayed Stadium was a fitting setting for Saturday's epic showpiece between two heavyweights of the UAE game. On the day, Sharjah's serial winner Cosmin Olaroiu was confirmed as new national team head coach, prize midfielder Ramadan shook off an injury-ravaged campaign and generated a jaw-dropping reminder of his mesmerising talents on 18 minutes by blasting in from range. This slender advantage for Adnoc Pro League's distant sixth-placed side against the runaway leaders would evaporate five minutes into the second half when prolific Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun followed up his own effort to level. But the momentum of Paulo Sousa's men was immediately checked on 55 minutes when DR Congo flyer Kebano produced a series of beguiling stepovers and lashed into the bottom corner. Shabab Al-Ahli continued to predictably boss possession with 62 percent, and attempts on goal (17-9), although theynever truly looked like mounting a comeback to avoid this term's first domestic defeat. The final whistle handed the spirited Pride of Abu Dhabi their second ADIB Cup crown and just third trophy since the 2017-2018 season off. Arab News looks at some key talking points from the decider: A new era for Jazira The 2024-2025 season has been a time of change for Jazira. Club legend and record goal scorer Ali Mabkhout made a high-profile summer departure to Al-Nasr, while they began this campaign without a permanent Dutch manager at the helm for the first time since Brazilian Abel Braga's mistaken summer 2015 return. Bold calls that have not always appeared judicious via mixed fortunes under Morocco's Hussein Ammouta. This, however, felt like a fork in the road. Big-name stars stood up tall, France's World Cup 2018 winning playmaker Nabil Fekir oozed class with every silky touch and ex-Arsenal stalwart Mohamed Elneny battled hard from an unfamiliar centre-back role. Ammouta's residual capacity to inspire, as shown with shock 2023 AFC Asian Cup finalists Jordan, was also on display. Heroes emerged across the pitch — including starlets Mamadou Coulibaly, Vinicius Mello, Ravil Tagir and Ilyass Lagrimi. This could be the start of something very special. Shabab Al-Ahli continue to stumble at the finishing line Another big game, another big disappointment for Shabab Al-Ahli. ADIB Cup final defeat follows elimination in the AFC Champions League Elite play-off round to Qatar's unexceptional Al-Gharafa and penalty shootout defeat to rivals Sharjah in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals. This campaign could finish with the Adnoc Pro League, President's Cup, Qatar–UAE Challenge Shield and Emaar Super Cup trophies residing at Rashid Stadium. Yet there is a sense of immense potential being left unfulfilled. UAE wide men Yahya Al-Ghassani and unused substitute Harib Abdalla could certainly use some more game time, while fellow international Sultan Adil may further freshen up their attack after a lengthy absence. A monstrous 11-point league gap — albeit with second-placed Sharjah holding a game in hand — gives opportunity for experimentation. A final worthy of the fanfare Pre-match ceremonies often feel like duds after kick-off. This engrossing final, however, most certainly was not. Early entertainment sparked by traditional dancers allied with booming pyrotechnics before kick-off reached its high point upon the novel sight of sponsors ADIB's ATM dispensing the match ball. Nobody watching felt short-changed about what followed. Styles make fights and Jazira's counter-punching approach took the shine off glittering Shabab Al-Ahli. Urged on by a strong crowd in Al-Ain, this was a chance for UAE football to show off. It surely did.
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.'
Jordan Times
03-04-2025
- Sport
- Jordan Times
Teams scramble to improve league standings in final weeks
AMMAN — Week 18 of the CFI Jordan Professional Football resumed on Thursday with teams scrambling for points in the final weeks of the competition. Hussein's lead has been slashed after their second draw before they face Faisali, who are trying to keep a consistent form and improve their performance after a turbulent season. Wihdat, who lost the Jordan Super Cup final to Hussein and the Shield final to Salt, aim to beat Shabab Urdun to try to keep their competitive chances alive as the Jordan Cup is also up for grabs in the final stages of the seasons competitions. Jazira have improved their record after six wins and are fifth with a postponed match ahead, now face Salt hoping to repeat their Leg 1 win and advance their spot. Jazira will also play Hussein in a postponed match later in the week with Wihdat playing Sarih as Hussein and Wihdat played and exited the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Champions League (ACL) Two in the Round of 16. In other matches, it's Mughayer Sarhanvs Sarih, Ahli vs Aqaba and Ma'an vs Ramtha with teams scrambling to get away from the relegation zone.
Arab News
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Shabab Al-Ahli and Al-Jazira to meet in ADIB Cup final
DUBAI: An intriguing ADIB Cup showpiece awaits next month after Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club gained revenge on Sharjah, and on-song Al-Jazira produced a rapid comeback against Wasl, in their gripping semifinal deciders. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Shabab Al-Ahli will be aiming for a record-extending sixth ADIB Cup victory when the clubs meet in the final on April 19, while Jazira are aiming to add to their solitary triumph in 2010. Sunday night's rollercoaster tie at Rashid Stadium pitted ADNOC Pro League leaders Shabab Al-Ahli against second-placed perennial rivals Sharjah. A 2-2 draw earned the club their 5-3 aggregate triumph, which featured two Fede Cartabia spot-kicks. It was the fourth-successive meeting between the clubs in five-consecutive fixtures across all competitions. Sharjah had given themselves hope with Corinthians loanee Biro's precise, low 12th-minute finish. Cartabia converted the first of two penalties at the start of the second half, with center-back Shahin Abdulrahman returning the favor from 12 yards. This was prior to Cartabia's second settling any Shabab Al-Ahli nerves about a fightback. It was recompense for being eliminated by the same opponent in AFC Champions League Two's quarterfinals prior to the international break. On Saturday evening, France superstar Nabil Fekir was among the scorers when a rampant Jazira first-half performance at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium helped turn a 1-0 first-leg deficit into an eventual 3-2 triumph. Jazira had burst out the blocks with goals from Argentine forward Ramon Mierez, Vinicius Mello and Fekir within the first 45 minutes of the second leg. A second-half Joao Pedro penalty then proved inconsequential as Wasl added ADIB Cup elimination to this month's earlier AFC Champions League Elite exit.
