With 20 players.. Al Ain delegation departs to Karshi on a private plane presided by Hammad
Mohammed Obaid Hammad: Al Ain matches in the AFC Champions League are no less important than the official matches of the national team
We refuse to search for justifications and ready to all challenges
We emphasize on the identity of the Boss “Al Zaeem” in the continental championship
A remarkable attendance to support Nasaf against Al Ain in Uzbekistan
The ticket price is 50 thousand “sums”… and 8 thousand sold out within 7 hours
Moments ago, Al Ain delegation departed for Karshi, Uzbekistan, on a private plane, presided by Mohammed ObaidHammad, member of the Steering Committee of Al Ain Football Club Affairs Management and the Supervisor of Al Ain First Team and the Reserve Team. The flight is expected to take about three hours for the first leg of the AFC Champions League Round of 16 against its host Nasaf, Uzbekistan, scheduled at Karshi Central Stadium at 6 pm, Wednesday, the 14th of this month.
Mohammed Obaid Hammad, the Supervisor of Al Ain First Team and the Reserve Team, emphasized that the team’s continental journey is an important challenge for all team members who are well aware that their Asian mission is completely different from all local matches because they represent the UAE. It is an honor no less than the international players’ feeling as defending the country’s name during their participation with the national teams in the official competitions which also gives them a great motivation to show their best.
Replying to a question about Al Ain pressurized local and Asian matches, especially since they are the only team representing the UAE in the most important and strongest continental tournament, he said: “Commenting on the pressurized matches, the difference in weather conditions….etc. is sometimes explained as a form of justifications. Therefore, the team must bear its responsibility in dealing with the schedule set by the UAE Football Association and the Professional League properly. Clubs are an integral part of the whole sports system, so we must deal professionally and set the conditions to face all challenges with Al Ain identity. We have a great confidence in the players’ sense of responsibility and keenness to show their best on the field. We ask Almighty Allah for support and success for Al Ain.”
Regarding his expectations for the match against Nasaf, he said: “The team includes professional players who are well aware of their requirements. In the world of football, dedication and effort create the best expectations and lead the team to achieve targets and embrace glory, in line with the aspirations of this great club fans, as it receives the highest sponsorship and generous support from its leadership, and the great confidence of Al Ain fans to enhance the team’s strength in all fields.”
Al Ain delegation included 20 players: “Khaled Issa, Mohammed Saeed Busanada, Sultan Al Manzari, Bandar Al Ahbabi, Kouame Autonne, Khaled Al Hashimi, Mansour Al Shamisi, Khaled Ali Al Baloushi, Park Yong-woo, YahyaNader, Ahmed Berman, Falah Walid, Mohammed Abbas, Abdul Karim Traore, Hazem Mohammed Abbas, Khaled Al Baloushi, Soufiane Rahimi, Jonatas da Santos, Issa Khalafan, and Laba Kodjo.”
A noticeable demand for tickets
Tickets for the Asian match between Nasaf and Al Ain witnessed a noticeable demand from the Uzbek club’s fans. Sources within the club confirmed that around 10,000 tickets were actually sold, out of the total capacity of Karshi Central Stadium, which can accommodate up to 20,000 spectators, before 72 hours of the match day.
The same source emphasized that the expected number of spectators at Karshi Central Stadium is 15,000 to support the Uzbekistan Cup and Super Cup champion from last season against Al Ain, in their first official match in the season. The official matches of the Uzbekistan League are scheduled to start on March 1st.
The ticket price for this match was set at 50,000 sums, equivalent to AED 15.
