Friday’s memorable 1-0 victory against champions Australia propelled hosts the UAE into Asian Cup 2019’s semi-finals.
The Whites came into the tournament under a cloud, thanks to middling friendly results. They have, however, confounded expectations to repeat 2015’s run to the last-four.
Here are the top-five standout players that have driven them to this stage:
ALI MABKHOUT
Position: Striker
Club: Al Jazira
Caps: 78
Goals: 48
Mabkhout is, almost, without compare in Asia. The 2015 edition’s top scorer has shown no drop off. He guaranteed a 2-0 win versus India, earned a 1-1 draw with Thailand, scored and then won a penalty in the round of 16 against Kyrgyzstan and profited from Australia’s error in the quarters.
ISMAIL AHMED
Position: Centre-back
Club: Al Ain
Caps: 42
Goals: 0
The 35-year-old came into the 2019 event under an injury cloud, plus performed shakily upon his first outing against India in the second group game. Since the ring rust has been dusted off, however, he’s been characteristically dominant. Against Australia, in particular, an ability to repel high balls was critical to the eventual 1-0 victory.
ALI SALMEEN
Position: Centre midfield
Club: Al Wasl
Caps: 20
Goals: 1
Salmeen keeps it simple. His squat physique, eye for danger and swift passing marks him out as an Emirati Claude Makelele. Against Australia, he made the most passes (40) and accurate passes (29) among UAE players. His 13 duels was level best with his team-mates. This represented a fine recovery after he disappointed versus Kyrgyzstan.
BANDAR AL AHBABI
Position: Right winger/full-back
Club: Al Ain
Caps: 10
Goals: 0
Al Ahbabi is never happier than with the ball at his feet. Either at right-back or right wing, he’s the UAE’s most-direct threat. His energy helped subdue Thailand’s key man, Chanathip Songkrasin, in the group stage. It also ensured Australia’s Robbie Kruse could not just concentrate on his offensive duties.
KHALID ESSA
Position: Goalkeeper
Club: Al Ain
Caps: 35
Goals: 0
It has been a golden few months in the career of Essa. The 29-year-old was superb throughout last month’s Club World Cup, continuing this form in the Asian Cup. A firm stop from Apostolos Giannou kept the UAE in it against Australia, while he repelled everything India threw his way in a bright opening.
