Al Jazira and Al Ain will be flying the flag for the UAE when the Hazza bin Zayed Under 17 International Football Tournament comes to a close tomorrow after securing berths in the final and third-place play-off.

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The Pride of Abu Dhabi – jettisoned in at the last minute after Tunisians Al Afriqi withdrew – have excelled. A 1-1 draw against Italy’s Internazionale yesterday secured an impressive first place in Group B, where they will challenge Spain’s Espanyol at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium.

“I know Espanyol very well, they will want to keep the ball and we must not chase it too much,” Jazira’s Spanish coach Beto said.

Hosts Al Ain will play in the third-place play-off after rounding out an impressive Group A campaign with a creditable goalless draw against Premier League outfit West Ham United.

Their reward is a clash with fellow second-placed side Dinamo Zagreb of Croatia, who beat Egyptians Al Ahly 2-1 last night.

“The Croatian school is one I respect immensely,” Al Ain Under- 17s coach Jamal Ali Mohammed Abdulla Al Hassani said. “We want to win but it all about our players continuing to grow.”

Meanwhile, Mali and Sevilla legend Frederic Kanoute had words of encouragment for the young stars. The 2007 African Footballer of the Year now resides in Dubai, opening the KAFO Academy.

“I chose UAE to retire and open my academy, because I think this region has potential to grow,” he said at a gala dinner on Saturday. “For you all future football stars, it is important to have determination and a strong work ethic.”