Saif bin Zayed crowns Al Ain with the cup… “The Double” at Dar Al Zein

The team, His Highness Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, crowned the Al Ain team champions of the President’s Cup football competition, for the eighth time in the club’s history, after “Al Zaeem” defeated Al Jazira 4-1 in the final match, yesterday, at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, completing an exceptional season that ended by dominating the two most prominent championships (the league and the cup).

The coronation ceremony was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Football Association, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, and Member of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Sports Club, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Mahmoud.

Al Ain’s goals were scored by Moroccan star Sofiane Rahimi in the 15th and 20th minutes, Abdelkarim Traoré (44′), and Eric Menezes (90+4), while Al Jazeera’s goal was scored by Nabil Fekir (11).

For his part, Al Ain coach, Serbian Vladimir Ivic, confirmed that his team deserved to win the cup title after its performance against Al Jazira. He said in media statements after the match: “The Al Ain players dealt perfectly with the course of the match, and succeeded in imposing their advantage despite the difficult start.”

He added: “The goal that we conceded came from a fixed ball and without any real chances that preceded it, but the most important thing for us was the quick reaction of the players.”

He explained, “The team showed a strong personality after falling behind in the result, and succeeded in returning quickly by scoring the equalizing goal. Then the players continued to press and focus until scoring the second goal.” He continued: “Al Ain was the better party in the match in terms of organization, creating opportunities, and controlling the course of the game during most of the periods.”

The Al Ain coach continued: “The players dealt intelligently with the details of the match, especially in the second half, and we were aware that the opponent would try to come back and put more pressure, so it was important to maintain the defensive balance and exploit spaces in counterattacks, which we succeeded in well.”

Ivic praised the team’s collective performance, stressing that the spirit of the players was the most prominent factor behind achieving the double this season, and said: “I am very proud of what the players presented throughout the season, not only in this match, but in all tournaments. The team showed the character of a champion and deserved to be crowned.”

The Al Ain coach also singled out his club’s fans with great praise, saying: “The Al Ain fans were amazing as usual. I gave the players additional energy throughout the match, and I am very proud of this wonderful support, and I thank them for standing behind the team in all circumstances, and I also thank the club management for the great support they provided to me and the players throughout the season.”

Ivic concluded: “These moments were created for the fans, and I hope they enjoy celebrating the President’s Cup, because they deserve joy after this great season.”

Eric: Winning the cup is a “natural result”

Al Ain player, Eric Jorginis, said that his team showed a strong personality during the final match, stressing that winning the President’s Cup title was a natural result of the players’ performance and fighting spirit on the field.

He added, in statements after the victory over Al-Jazira: “We demonstrated many positive things during the match, and the most important thing for us was to show the true character of the team in the face of difficult circumstances during the match. When you show your personality and stick to your style and confidence, success is a natural result of the work you do.”

He pointed out that the match scenario was not expected, especially after the team fell behind by an early goal, saying: “Frankly, we did not expect the match to go this way, especially after the opponent advanced by the first goal.”

He continued: “Despite the delay in the result, our team maintained its calm and confidence, and we succeeded in responding quickly and showing a strong reaction. Everyone on the field believed in our ability to come back and win.”