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UAE win U-17 soccer title

The UAE under-17 national team won the seventh edition of the Gulf Juniors Championship with a fabulous 2-1 victory over Saudi Arabia in the final at the Jaber Al Ahmed Stadium in Kuwait on Thursday night.

The UAE forward Waleed Amber brilliantly struck twice to power his side to a win in the closely contested final.

It was a sweet revenge for UAE as the players showed great determination to seal the win, after losing 1-2 to the same opponent in the opening encounter.

Amber put UAE ahead in the 46^th minute from the spot and doubled the score-line with a lovely move seven minutes later.

The Saudis reduced the deficit to 1-2 in the 76^th minute, but the UAE lads defended courageously their narrow lead to claim the title, which they won two years back in Saudi Arabia.

However, Saudi Arabia bagged the ideal team trophy. Oman keeper Ahmed Al Rawahy was named as the best keeper of the championship, while Qatar’s Saudi Al Khalaqi won the top scorer trophy with five goals after a tie with UAE striker Waleed Amber. Qatar player Ali Asadullah’s dazzling display helped him clinch the best player award.

Meanwhile, Qatar finished third.

Rumaithi congratulates team

Mohammed Khalfan, president of the UAEFA, congratulated the U-17 national team for their great achievement.

He said: “The achievement would have not been possible without the hard work of the FA under the directives of Shaikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, honourary president of the association and the board members.

Barout delighted

The UAE head coach Eid Barout said he’s delighted with the brilliant performance of the players.

He said: “I’m over the moon. There’s nothing better to be done.”