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Shabab Al Ahli and Sharjah will face off, on Saturday, in the UAE Football Super Cup (Emaar Super Cup) at Al Maktoum Stadium, Al Nasr Club, as part of the 18th edition of the event. The match is eagerly awaited, with both teams aiming to claim the first domestic title of the season.
This marks Shabab Al Ahli’s 11th appearance in the Super Cup in its modern format, making them the most frequent participants and holders of the record for the most titles, with seven wins. Sharjah will be competing in their eighth Super Cup match, having previously lifted the trophy three times.
During a press conference held, on Friday, by the UAE Pro League at Central Park, Dubai Creek Harbour, the coaches of Shabab Al Ahli and Sharjah confirmed their readiness for Saturday’s Super Cup (Emaar Super Cup) match, expressing their desire to add a new title to their club’s achievements.
Portuguese coach Paulo Sousa of Shabab Al Ahli stated that his team enters the match with great confidence, relying on continuous work and the clear vision adopted by the club to build a team capable of competing for trophies and instilling a winning culture.
He added that the current squad enjoys a strong sense of unity, which enhances their ambition to add another title to their record.
Sousa also noted that the team faces greater challenges this season, particularly in continental competitions, with higher physical and mental demands compared to last season. He emphasised that goal-scoring remains a decisive factor in securing results, despite the team’s clear ability to create opportunities.
He expressed pride in his players, especially under the pressure of fixtures, injuries, and the overlap with national team commitments, stressing that the team still has a strong chance of competing for titles.
Shabab Al Ahli player Mohamed Juma Al Mansouri confirmed his team’s readiness for the match, noting high morale and strong ambition to win the season’s first title.
He described Sharjah as a strong team with high-level players, expressing respect for the opposition and emphasising the players’ commitment to the coaching staff’s instructions, giving their maximum effort on the pitch to please the fans.
Portuguese coach José Morais of Sharjah said the Super Cup features all the elements of a major match, given the quality and history of both teams in Emirati football, as well as their strong presence on the Asian stage.
He noted that the organisation and atmosphere surrounding the match reflect the importance of the event, predicting a strong and entertaining encounter.
Morais explained that success in such finals depends on focus, attention to the smallest details, mental readiness, and calm decision-making. He added that the match could see rapid changes in play, increasing excitement, as both teams possess high-quality players.
Sharjah player Caio Lucas described the Shabab Al Ahli match as difficult and intense, considering it a clash between the two best teams in the league from his perspective. He added that finals always carry a special significance.
Lucas also highlighted that the match is likely to showcase a high level of skill, promising fans an entertaining game befitting the stature of both teams and the importance of the title.
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