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UAE Return to Heroes’ Welcome

in the 2011 Doha AFC Asian Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

UAE, who have already qualified for the finals, topped Group 3 with nine points from four starts.

The team was received by Mohammed Khalfan Al Rumaithi, president of the UAEFA, and other top officials.

The UAE lads dedicated the victory to Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Honourary President of the FA, who has always supported the national team and country’s football.

“This victory is a humble present to the wise leadership and peoples of the UAE. We did our best and we are still determined to restore the glory days of the national team,” said UAE skipper Saeed Al Kas.

Katanec Delighted

UAE head coach Srecko Katanec said he’s pleased to see the national team win such a crucial tie away from home.

“It’s a great achievement. We are on the right track. The players have been working hard and fought courageously all the way. Our defenders did a very good job and keeper Majed Nasser deserves all praise. We have been passing through difficult conditions after the injury of Subait Khater and Fahad Masoud, but we managed to make a big breakthrough. The substitutes lived up to the challenge,” he said.

Al Muhairbi Honours Team

Mohammed Al Muhairbi presented a memento to the players and delegation members on the occasion of the great victory over Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, UAE top star Sultan Al Manhali said the winner which he scored against Uzbekistan will remain the most valuable and precious goal of his career. “I can’ describe my true feelings at that moment. I’m over the moon. It’s a team work and credit should go to my colleagues in the team,” he said.

UAE forward Ahmed Khalil said the victory came in the right time. “We were determined to make our fans happy. Our fans gave us everything and we were obliged to pay back. Let’s have a fresh start and we urge the faithful fans to stand besides the players,” he said.

Fahad to return in 3 weeks

The UAE winger Fahad Masoud suffered a serious shoulder injury and he will return to the pitch in three weeks time.

During the match, four players wore the captaincy band. First it was Saeed Al Kas. Then he passed it over to Fahad Masoud after his substitution. In the 61^st minute when Masoud was injured, Subait Khater took over and later he was substituted and Ali Al Weihibi became the skipper in the last five minutes.