Sharjah and Shabab Al Ahli to clash in President’s Cup final

A battle of champions
This final holds particular importance as it features the two clubs with the highest number of titles in the tournament’s history. Both Sharjah and Shabab Al Ahli have claimed the trophy 10 times, making tomorrow’s match a decisive encounter that will break the deadlock and crown the record-holding club.

Momentum and motivation
Shabab Al Ahli enter the final with strong momentum, having recently secured the ADNOC Pro League title for the fifth time in the professional era and the ninth in the club’s history. This achievement comes despite a loss to Al Wasl in round 23 of the league.

Sharjah, meanwhile, are eager to compensate for their failure to win the league by securing a significant domestic title. The President’s Cup offers a pathway to the AFC Champions League Elite and serves as valuable preparation ahead of Sharjah’s AFC Champions League 2 final against Lion City of Singapore on 18 May.

Road to the final
Both teams played three matches to book their spots in the final. Sharjah overcame Al Nasr 2-0 in the Round of 16, defeated Baniyas 1-0 in the quarterfinals, and triumphed over Al Jazira 3-1 in the semi-finals. In total, Sharjah scored six goals and conceded just one.

Similarly, Shabab Al Ahli beat Dibba Al Hisn 2-0, edged Ajman 2-1, and narrowly defeated Al Wasl 1-0 in the semi-final. They scored five goals and also conceded only once throughout their campaign.

Finals through the years
Historically, 35 President’s Cup finals have been decided in regular time. Eight finals have gone to penalty shootouts, two were decided in extra time, and another two through the golden goal rule.
The 2013 final between Al Ahli and Al Shabab remains the highest scoring in tournament history, with Al Ahli winning 4-3. The 1995 final between Sharjah and Al Ain is the only one to end goalless, with Sharjah winning 5-4 on penalties.

Legacy and titles
Five clubs have successfully defended their President’s Cup title for two consecutive seasons: Shabab Al Ahli, Sharjah, Al Nasr, Al Ain, and Al Jazira.
The most recent edition of the tournament saw Al Wasl crowned champions following their 4-0 victory over Al Nasr, earning their first title since 2007.