UAE’s Bronze Quest Hits Weather Hurdle: Arab Cup Night Ends in Doha Clutch Call

Cancellation of UAE-Saudi clash in Doha due to heavy rain

Ismail Rashid, a member of the UAE national team administrative staff, said the squad is awaiting a decision on who will finish third in the Arab Cup after the UAE-Saudi match was canceled because of severe weather in Doha.

Safety first and bronze hopes remain alive

Officials gave us about an hour and a half, then added 20 more minutes, and finally canceled the match due to the field being deemed unplayable.

Rashid explained that the head coaches of both teams opted not to resume play, fearing injuries, stressing that safety comes first, especially with Saudi preparing for the World Cup in six months.

The UAE squad features several players under contracts with clubs abroad, many with outside experience in Asia and the Gulf, not just domestic appearances this season.

Rashid sent a message to UAE fans, apologizing for the Arab Cup exit and praising the players’ hard work, while noting the supporters did not falter during the campaign.

He added that everyone involved gave their best, and that they would have loved to reach the final, but unforgiving circumstances and the 120 minutes against Algeria in the quarterfinals took their toll ahead of the semifinal against Morocco.

PUNCHLINE: If bronze is the color of perseverance, UAE just earned a tan in Doha.

PUNCHLINE 2: They didn’t win the match, but they won the weather report—now that’s a trophy you can actually read on a rain gauge.