Khalid Essa has vowed to rise to the challenge presented by “the best goalkeeper in the UAE” and wrestle with the recalled Majed Nasser to be No1 at the Asian Cup.
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A space has opened up between the sticks for the Whites after captain Ali Khaseif chose to undertake national service rather than head to Australia for this month’s competition. This situation sees Al Ain shot stopper and regular No2 Essa battling with Al Ahli’s Nasser to start Sunday’s Group C opener against Qatar.
Nasser gained 64 caps for his country prior to a number of serious disciplinary incidents derailing his international career in 2012.
The 30-year-old was expected to have been consigned to the past by coach Mahdi Ali, who frowns on any misdemeanours.
He has excelled in goal upon his return from long-term injury this season, but a successfully appealed six-month ban and Dh200,000 fine for allegedly spitting at referee Yacoub Al Hammadi shows his continuing propensity to attract trouble. Essa is a much steadier presence for the Boss, promising to give his all in training to push Ali to select him.
“Everybody knows that Majed Nasser is the best goalkeeper in the UAE and maybe even the Arabian Gulf,” the 25 year old said. “This is a challenge for me. I have Majed Nasser and Ali Khaseif as competition. We have a good challenge between us. I am the youngest out of those guys, as you know. I take experience from Majed and Ali.”
The late withdrawal of Al Jazira’s Khaseif shortly before the UAE departed for Australia saw Sharjah’s Mohamed Yousif selected in his place. The promising 23-year-old was third choice during November’s failed Gulf Cup defence and will carry out the same role Down Under.
Nasser’s reintroduction came as a shock, with Essa expected to be in pole position to oust Khaseif after problems with form and fitness. The Al Ain man insisted he was not threatened by Nasser’s call-up.
Essa said: “It is not hard with Nasser being back. It is a good challenge for us. The decision is for Mahdi Ali who is the best goalkeeper between the three of us. We will try to train well and Inshallah we get a good result.”
The Asian Cup comes in the middle of a packed campaign, Arabian Gulf League action again halted to accommodate another international tournament. Al Ain have steadily motored up the table after seeing their run to the AFC Champions League semi-finals provide a further distraction.
Despite the heated domestic competition, Essa insisted the Whites squad will have no problem concentrating fully on the matters at hand in January. He said: “The Asian Cup is an important event. It is difficult. We will forget about the Arabian Gulf League and focus on the competition. We will try to make good results and good games in Australia.”
