AFC U17 Asian Cup
UAE lost 4-1 to defending champions Japan on Friday in a performance where the players’ could not fully focus after they had to cope with the sudden passing of team doctor Dr. Abdullah Baroun the day before.
“Dr Abdullah’s passing significantly impacted the players' mental and physical health before and during the match against Japan,” said Salem.
#AFCU17 | Group B: Japan 4–1 UAE
“But we are now looking forward to our next match against Australia. The players will need to recover properly, avoid the mistakes we made against Japan and play with focus. Our target is to reach the quarter-finals and book a berth at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025.”
Australia head coach Brad Maloney, who witnessed his side held to a 1-1 draw by Vietnam on Friday, insists a clean sheet is pivotal against UAE.
“We scored in every game we’ve played. What we need is to tidy up the defence and not concede goals. We also need to improve in our offence which we will address in this game. UAE are one of the best teams in the Middle East, so there are no easy games.
#AFCU17 | Group B: Australia 1–1 Vietnam
“We will have to prepare well and approach the match like any other,” he said.
UAE v Australia
Venue: King Fahd Sports City Stadium (Taif)
Kick-off: Monday, 20:15 (UTC+3)
Venue: King Fahd Sports City Stadium (Taif)
Kick-off: Monday, 20:15 (UTC+3)
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