The UAE’s Asian Cup preparations have suffered a blow after captain Ali Khaseif withdrew to attend national service, with Sharjah goalkeeper Mohamed Yousif called up in his place.
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Khaseif, 27, was not on board the plane that departed from Dubai for Australia yesterday. He was among a group of players who were initially demanded by the military prior to November’s Gulf Cup title defence, though this was deferred to a later date.
The Al Jazira stalwart has struggled since being substituted bec-ause of injury during the 3-2 victory against Bani Yas on December 5, missing two of the next three matches. His withdrawal robs the team of huge experience, with Khaseif being a veteran of the London 2012 Olympic campaign and the Gulf Cup 2013 success.
News of the late change in coach Mahdi Ali’s 24-man preliminary squad was released by Sharjah’s Twitter account last night.
“The technical staff of the national football team has called up Sharjah goalkeeper Mohamed Yousif to replace Ali Khaseif, who has joined the national service,” they tweeted. The news has not been confirmed or denied by the UAE Football Association.
Star playmaker Omar Abdulrahman was on board the flight. The 23-year-old recently began jogging after being sidelined by an ankle problem picked up during the Gulf Cup semi-finals.
The UAE touched down in the southern hemisphere early in the morning, with a two-week training camp set to take place on the Gold Coast. A pair of preparatory friendlies will be played against Jordan on Tuesday, December 30, and Kuwait on Saturday, January 3.
Replacement Yousif, 23, was a non-playing member of the Gulf Cup squad. His spot in the January roster was, initially, taken by the recalled Majed Nasser.
The controversial Al Ahli shot stopper had earned 61 caps for the Whites prior to being abandoned following a succession of serious disciplinary issues. A latest incident came in October’s heated 1-1 Arab-ian Gulf League draw with Al Ain, a six-month ban and Dh200,000 fine later withdrawn on appeal after being alleged to have spat at referee Yacoub Al Hamadi.
Nasser is expected to compete with Al Ain’s Khalid Essa for the right to start the Asian Cup Group C opener against Qatar on January 11.
Ali's replacements:
Majed Nasser
Age: 30
Club: Al Ahli
Volatile Red Knight looks set to sweep into the starting side after years in the wilderness. Hard to imagine coach Mahdi Ali would have recalled such a fiery character just to sit
Khalid Essa
Age: 25
Club: Al Ain
Essa continues to be a steady influence for the Boss, standing behind the meanest defence in the division. Has a strong case to be first choice, but must expect disappointment.
Mohamed Yousif
Age: 23
Club: Sharjah
This will be another exercise in gaining experience for Yousif. At only 23, his time may come in the future. Can learn from Essa’s calm manner and Nasser’s undoubted ability.