Al Ain Eyes Final Glory as ADIB Cup Semis Kick Off with Poised Ambition

Semi-Final First Legs Set the Stage

The ADIB Cup semi-finals begin this Friday with the first legs as Al Nassr host Al Ain at Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai, while Al Jazira welcome Al Wahda at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. The four teams are chasing a positive result to ease the path for the second legs on December 13, played at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain and the Al Nahyan Stadium at Al Wahda. Al Jazira has appeared in this round 11 times, followed by Al Wahda with 10 appearances, then Al Ain with 8, and Al Nassr with 6.

Rahimi’s Confidence and Team Spirit

Moroccan international Sufian Rahimi of Al Ain says the clash against Al Nassr demands high focus and a precise read of the opponent’s style. The team enters this phase with strong confidence and a distinctive collective spirit. "We’ve analyzed Al Nassr’s performance and know its strengths well, and we will handle them most effectively on the pitch. We are committed to delivering our best, and our goal is to make Al Ain fans happy with a result that meets their aspirations," Rahimi stated.

He added: "Since the start of the season we have been on a clear upward trajectory, with a collective drive to keep evolving. We’re still at the early stages, but the signs are positive, and daily work translates from one match to the next."

Regarding Al Ain’s strengths, he noted: "Chemistry in the dressing room is one of our secrets. Everyone works with a family spirit and a single mindset, and this cohesion gives us confidence and energy in tough moments, making the team tougher on the pitch."

Rahimi concluded: "Our target is clear: reach the final, and we’ll give everything to achieve it. We understand the importance of this stage and our responsibility to the club and its fans, and we have the mentality to face this challenge."

Ivic and Tactical Preparedness

Al Ain’s coach Vladimir Ivic underscored the importance of facing Al Nassr with big ambition and a clear mental-technical development path. He said: "We’re preparing for a strong match against a developing side that has shown impressive performances this season. In recent days we focused on refining a few details in our playing style."

"We’ve also boosted the fitness of players returning from national duty and unified the squad ahead of two matches that demand maximum concentration; Al Nassr this season is different from last year," he added.

He continued: "Al Nassr has improved offensively, defensively, and tactically; we must study strengths and weaknesses carefully, seize every opportunity, and fight for every ball."

On facing the same opponents three times in a short span, Ivic said: "Playing three matches against the same team in a short period is a big challenge for both sides, so we must treat each match separately."

He noted: "The players are gaining more confidence in the system we’re working on, with daily commitment and a clear desire to improve. The harmony between the coaching staff and players is at its best, and this reflects in performance and results as we move forward step by step."

Numbers Behind the Semi-Finals

The semi-final lineup was confirmed after the second legs of the quarterfinals, which saw 27 goals scored, while one tie (Al Jazira vs Al Wasl in the first leg) produced no goals. Goals were distributed fairly evenly across both halves: 14 in the first, 13 in the second. Nineteen goals came from open play, eight from set pieces, including six from corners.

Al Ain proved the most potent in attack, scoring seven goals against Sharjah (three away, four at home). Al Wahda registered the highest number of shots with 39 attempts, while Al Nassr led with 26 successful dribbles. Matheus Lima struck three goals in this round, though his team Shabab Al Ahli failed to advance, and five players hit a brace: Brahima Diarra, Matias Palacios, Mehdi Qaidy, Abdullah Tori, and Hussein Rahimi. Dušan Tadic of Al Wahda was the top creator with 11 chances created plus three assists.

In goal, Al Nassr’s Ahmed Shambie delivered standout performances, including crucial saves against Shabab Al Ahli and stopping two penalties, helping his side reach the semi-finals.