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Saudi Arabia’s dreams of capturing a third U17 Asian Cup title were dashed on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan in the final at the King Fahd Sports City in Taif. Despite dominating much of the match and benefiting from two first-half red cards against Uzbekistan, the hosts were unable to convert their numerical advantage into a win.
The loss marks a 37-year wait for Saudi Arabia to claim their third U17 title, as Uzbekistan triumphed in a tense match to secure their second continental crown, repeating their 2012 success. The match was a dramatic affair, with the Central Asians battling through adversity to secure victory.
Uzbekistan faced a difficult first half, losing two key players before the break. The first red card came in the 40th minute when Nurbek Sarsenbaev was sent off for kicking out at Saudi Arabia’s Adel Hibah while on the ground. Moments before halftime, Uzbekistan suffered another setback, as Miraziz Abdukarimov received a second yellow card for a last-ditch tackle on Sabri Dahal, reducing the team to nine players.
At this point, it seemed as though Saudi Arabia would capitalize on the numerical advantage, but the scoreline remained level heading into the second half.
The second half started with a shock, as Uzbekistan took the lead despite being down to nine men. In the 55th minute, a ball bounced up in the penalty area and Saudi Arabia’s Yazeed Al-Dosari was adjudged to have handled the ball after a VAR review. Referee decisions gave Uzbekistan a penalty kick, which Mukhammad Khakimov confidently converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
As Saudi Arabia pressed forward in search of an equalizer, Uzbekistan capitalized on the counter. In the 70th minute, Sadriddin Khasanov broke free from Saudi defender Al Waleed Al-Awfi and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi to double Uzbekistan’s lead. The goal sealed the win and left Saudi Arabia with little time to mount a comeback.
Despite their best efforts, Saudi Arabia could not break through a resilient Uzbek defense, and the final whistle confirmed a 2-0 victory for Uzbekistan.
The loss was a bitter disappointment for Saudi Arabia, who had battled their way through a tough tournament. The team had required penalties to get past Japan in the quarterfinals and South Korea in the semifinals. However, fatigue may have played a factor in the final, as Uzbekistan had a smoother run to the final, breezing through their knockout-stage matches against the UAE and North Korea.
Though the defeat stings, Saudi Arabia can find solace in their qualification for the upcoming U17 World Cup later this year in Qatar, where they will look to bounce back from this setback.
Uzbekistan’s win marks a historic moment for the team, who will now look to build on this success as they prepare for future challenges on the international stage.
In a landmark achievement for UAE cricket, Team Abu Dhabi has etched its name into the record books by securing the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Triple Crown, triumphing in all three domestic tournaments—D10, D20, and D50—within a single calendar year. Their commanding victory in the 2024 D50 Final sealed the historic feat, making them only the second team ever to accomplish this sweep, following Fujairah’s milestone earlier this year.
Team Abu Dhabi’s journey to the Triple Crown has been one of relentless consistency:
D10 Title (2024): Stormed to victory in the fast-paced T10 format.
D20 Title (2023): Secured the trophy with tactical brilliance in the 20-over competition.
D50 Title (2024): Crowned champions after a dominant 50-over campaign, defeating rivals in the final.
The triumph underscores Abu Dhabi’s remarkable transformation from underdogs to domestic cricket powerhouses, aligning with the UAE’s Year of Community initiative and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council’s mission to unify the nation through sport.
Matt Boucher, CEO of Abu Dhabi Cricket & Sports Hub, emphasized the broader significance of the achievement:
“This Triple Crown is more than silverware—it’s a validation of our partnership with Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Zayed Cricket Academy’s player pathway. From nurturing juniors to national success, we’re building a legacy that inspires pride and unity across the Emirates.”
Ruan Bohlmann, Team Abu Dhabi’s Head Coach, credited the squad’s resilience:
“Years of planning, patience, and belief brought us here. We’ve evolved from battling relegation to setting benchmarks. This victory reflects a culture of excellence that transcends cricket.”
Just a few seasons ago, Team Abu Dhabi languished at the bottom of domestic leagues. Their rise to dominance has been fueled by:
Grassroots Development: The Zayed Cricket Academy’s youth programs feeding talent into the domestic circuit.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration with Abu Dhabi Sports Council to elevate infrastructure and visibility.
National Ambition: Strengthening the UAE’s cricketing profile ahead of international events.
The Triple Crown victory resonates beyond the boundary ropes, reinforcing cricket’s role in fostering community cohesion. The team’s success aligns with the UAE’s vision to position Abu Dhabi as a hub for sporting excellence, inspiring future generations to embrace the sport.
Key Stats & Milestones:
Second team in UAE history (after Fujairah, 2024) to secure the ECB Triple Crown.
Undefeated in all three formats during their 2023–2024 campaign.
Over 50% of the squad products of the Zayed Cricket Academy.
Qatar Airways Holidays, the leisure division of the award-winning national carrier, has officially opened registrations for its exclusive FIFA World Cup 2026™ travel packages, offering Middle Eastern football fans a seamless way to experience the historic tournament in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
As the Official Global Airline Partner of FIFA, Qatar Airways will provide all-in-one packages that include:
✔ Direct and connecting flights from the Middle East via Qatar Airways’ expansive network
✔ Luxury 4- and 5-star hotel stays in host cities
✔ Guaranteed FIFA World Cup 2026™ match tickets
✔ Domestic transfers between stadiums and airports
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across 16 cities. With high demand expected from Arab travelers, Qatar Airways Holidays is offering first-come, first-served packages to ensure fans secure their spots.
Steven Reynolds, Senior Vice President of Qatar Airways Holidays and Discover Qatar, said:
“Following our successful role in the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, we are proud to deliver unmatched travel experiences for Middle Eastern fans heading to North America in 2026. Our packages ensure a smooth journey—from departure to the final whistle.”
🔹 Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can earn Avios on flights and hotel bookings.
🔹 Flexible payment options, including Cash + Avios redemptions.
🔹 Arabic-speaking support for bookings and travel assistance.
Interested fans from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and other GCC nations can register now to receive early access:
👉 Visit Qatar Airways’ Official Page
The airline continues to be a major player in global football, with partnerships including:
FIFA (till 2030)
UEFA Champions League
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
FC Internazionale Milano
This announcement reinforces Qatar Airways’ commitment to connecting Middle Eastern sports enthusiasts with the world’s biggest events.
As temperatures rise and the city prepares for exciting outdoor events, the Aspire Zone Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of the inaugural Aspire Beach Sports Festival. Taking place from April 20 to April 26, 2025, at the stunning Aspire Park, this exciting event promises a week filled with energy, fun, and fitness for all.
Organized in partnership with the Qatar Sports For All Federation and the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the Aspire Beach Sports Festival will celebrate active living, teamwork, and sportsmanship. This festival aims to bring the community together for a memorable outdoor sports experience.
The Aspire Beach Sports Festival 2025 is designed for sport enthusiasts, athletes, and active residents of all levels. The event will transform a section of Aspire Park into a vibrant beach-themed sports zone, where participants and spectators can enjoy three popular beach sports:
Beach Soccer (in collaboration with the Qatar Football Association)
Beach Volleyball (managed by the Qatar Volleyball Association)
Beach Tennis (supported by the Qatar Tennis and Squash Federation)
Competitions will take place daily from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, offering athletes aged 18 and above the opportunity to compete in an exciting and structured environment.
“We’re creating a unique sporting experience that combines Aspire Zone’s world-class infrastructure with the natural beauty of Aspire Park,” said Ahmed Al Hassan, Director of Events & Venues at Aspire Zone Foundation. “This festival is an important step in further establishing Aspire Zone as a leading sports destination that promotes both elite and community-level engagement.”
The sentiment was echoed by Abdullah Al Dosari, Executive Director of the Qatar Sports for All Federation. He emphasized that the event is more than just about competition—it’s about encouraging an active lifestyle and fostering a sports culture within the community.
“This initiative is about creating a culture where sports are part of everyday life and reaching new demographics to promote healthier lifestyles across Qatar,” he shared.
The Aspire Beach Sports Festival is open to the public and is free to attend. Local athletes and recreational players can also register online to compete in the festival’s events. Registration is now open through the official website: www.aspirezone.qa.
Whether you’re an athlete eager to show off your skills on the sand or a sports fan excited to cheer from the sidelines, the festival promises an unforgettable week of dynamic energy, community spirit, and fun-filled beachside activities.
Join us at the Aspire Beach Sports Festival 2025 to enjoy the perfect blend of fitness, fun, and outdoor sports. This event is the ideal opportunity to connect with the community, try out new sports, and experience the incredible facilities at Aspire Zone. Be part of the action and make lasting memories this spring!
Saudi Arabia’s national football team, the Green Falcons, is edging closer to securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup after earning four valuable points in their latest qualification matches. A hard-fought 1-0 win over China last Thursday, followed by a goalless draw against Japan on Tuesday, leaves Saudi Arabia with 10 points in Group C. They now trail Australia by three points, with Japan already securing the top spot in the group.
As only the top two teams from each group are guaranteed direct qualification, Saudi Arabia must continue to perform well in the upcoming matches to ensure their place in North America next summer.
1. The Japan Result Was a Good One for Saudi Arabia
Despite not claiming all three points in Japan, a 0-0 draw is still considered a positive result for the Green Falcons. Japan is regarded as the best team in Asia, and Saudi Arabia’s defense held strong in a match where tactical discipline and concentration were key. Coach Hervé Renard acknowledged that he would have taken the point if offered before the game. Had Saudi Arabia won their earlier home matches against Indonesia and Bahrain, this result would have been seen as even more favorable.
2. A Defensive Strategy Sacrificed Attacking Threat
In the match against Japan, Saudi Arabia’s defensive approach was clear. The team prioritized keeping things tight at the back and frustrating Japan's attacking play. However, this meant that there were limited offensive opportunities for Saudi Arabia. The Green Falcons relied on long balls from defense but were often unable to break through Japan’s solid backline. While this tactical approach was necessary for gaining a point, it highlighted the need for improvement in attacking play moving forward.
3. Jehad Thakri’s Impressive Debut
With injuries to key defenders, including Hassan Kadesh’s early exit against China, Renard turned to Jehad Thakri to fill the gap. The 23-year-old Al-Qadsiah center-back made an impressive debut, playing on the right side of a three-man defense. Thakri was composed, confident, and strong in the air, showing no signs of nerves despite the high-pressure situation. With his performance, Thakri proved he belongs at the international level, offering a potential solution to Saudi Arabia’s defensive issues.
4. Injuries and Fatigue Played a Key Role
In addition to the tactical challenges, Saudi Arabia has been dealing with a series of injuries that have affected the team’s performance. Key players like Mohamed Kanno, Saud Abdulhamid, and Hassan Kadesh have been sidelined due to injuries, with some longer-term concerns affecting the squad’s overall depth. Furthermore, the team’s extensive travel between matches, including a long-haul trip to Japan, added to the fatigue factor, which could be a concern as the qualifiers progress.
5. All Eyes on the Final Matches Against Bahrain and Australia
With two games remaining in the qualification campaign, the Green Falcons must secure a win in Bahrain to keep their hopes alive. Saudi Arabia also needs Japan to earn a favorable result against Australia in Perth, which would set up a dramatic final match against the Socceroos on June 10. If Saudi Arabia wins that crucial encounter, they would secure second place in the group and a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
Coach Renard remains confident that Saudi Arabia can achieve their goal, but the team’s fate will depend on both their performance and external factors in the final stages of qualification.
Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia’s World Cup qualification journey is far from over, but their recent results show promising signs. Fans in Qatar and beyond will be hoping that the Green Falcons can capitalize on their recent performances and secure a place in the prestigious tournament next summer.
