UAE Olympic Team set to face Guam in AFC U-23 qualifiers opener

Group 9 qualifiers begin in Abu Dhabi

The match marks the opening of Group 9 in the qualifiers for the AFC U-23 Asian Cup, scheduled to be held next year in Saudi Arabia. Group 9 includes the UAE, Iran, Hong Kong, and Guam. All matches will take place at Al Nahyan Stadium, located at Al Wahda Club in Abu Dhabi. The qualifiers will continue until September 9.

Qualification format and teams

The qualifiers feature 44 national teams, divided into 11 groups of four. The winners of each group, along with the four best second-placed teams, will secure spots in the final tournament.

Spain training camp prepares team for success

As part of their preparations, the UAE Olympic team held an external training camp in Spain. Head coach Marcelo Broli focused on tactical development, player fitness, and building cohesion between veteran players and new additions to the squad.

Official squad announced

Coach Broli has announced the final squad for the qualifiers:

Goalkeepers: Khalid Tawhid, Hamad Al-Muqbali, Saeed Al-Muqdami, Ali Al-Saffar

Defenders: Mubarak Bin Zama, Mansour Al-Menhali, Yousef Al-Marzouqi, Zayed Khamis, Fahad Jassim, Ahmed Malallah, Richard Akonnor, Hazza Shehab

Midfielders: Solomon Suso, Dhari Fahad, Mohammed Al-Wafi, Hazem Abbas, Matar Zaal

Forwards: Juinio Ndiaye, Ghaith Abdullah, Maid Al-Kass, Mohammed Juma, Ali Al-Maamari, Mansour Saeed, Issa Khalfan

Group 9 match schedule for opening day

The Group 9 matches will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, with Hong Kong facing Iran at 6:30 PM, followed by the UAE vs. Guam at 9:30 PM, both at Al Nahyan Stadium.