UAE Football Association president Marwan bin Ghalita has declared fans across the country are “duty-bound” to provide their support in the push for World Cup 2018 qualification.
The Whites are currently preparing for a daunting start when the third and final round in the AFC process kicks off with a trip to heavyweights Japan on September 1 and visit of 2015 Asian Cup winners Australia on September 6.
In a bid to coalesce behind coach Mahdi Ali’s men, the governing body has launched the #Together_We_Can hashtag to be used by followers on social media. For leader Bin Ghalita, this will provide a boost as the nation attempts to reach the tournament for just the second time.
He said: “I am confident that the UAE squad realise the importance of this stage. Everyone in the nation is duty-bound to to supports these heroes on their mission.
“To assist them, the hashtag #Together_We_Can has been created. This is more than an initiative or invitation, as it will let our institutions stand with the team.”
A top-two finish when the campaign winds up in September 2017 will guarantee progression to Russia. If they end up third in Group B, they will meet the same side from Group A in a battle to reach the inter-confederation play-off.
UAEFA launches the hashtag #Together_We_Can to support the 1st National Team during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/pzOoheThgy
— uaefa (@uaefa_ae) August 14, 2016
