Hatta, Al-Arabi, and Dubba Al-Husn Advance to UAE President's Cup

UAE President's Cup Sees First Division Upsets as Three Teams Advance

Three first division clubs—Hatta, Al Arabi, and Dibba Al-Hisn—secured their spots in the second preliminary round of the UAE President's Cup following decisive victories that highlight the growing competitiveness of lower-tier Emirati football. The results signal a potential shift in the domestic football landscape as smaller clubs challenge traditional hierarchies.

Dramatic Penalty Shootout Sends Hatta Through

Hatta's advancement came through the most dramatic route possible, defeating City FC 4-1 on penalties after a goalless 90 minutes at the Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium. The penalty shootout victory demonstrates Hatta's mental resilience and sets up an intriguing second-round clash against Al Hamriya.

The match's scoreless regulation time reflects the tactical caution often seen in cup competitions, where teams prioritize avoiding elimination over attacking flair. Hatta's penalty success suggests strong preparation and composure under pressure—qualities that could serve them well in subsequent rounds.

Foreign Talent Powers Dibba Al-Hisn Victory

Dibba Al-Hisn secured a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Al Jazeera Al Hamra, with international players proving decisive. Dutch striker Lars Veldwijk opened the scoring, while Brazilian Lucas Rocha sealed the win with a dramatic 90+2 minute goal.

This result underscores the impact of strategic foreign recruitment in UAE's lower divisions. Dibba Al-Hisn's investment in experienced international talent appears to be paying dividends, positioning them as potential dark horses in the competition.

Al Arabi Dominates in High-Scoring Affair

Al Arabi delivered the day's most emphatic performance, defeating Al Fujairah 4-2 in a goal-laden encounter that showcased the attacking potential within UAE's first division. Palestinian midfielder Saleem Mahmoud opened the scoring on 28 minutes, with Ali Suleiman, Brazilian Reiner Alves, and English striker Benik Afobe completing the victory.

Al Fujairah's response, including an own goal and Abdullah Anwar's strike, demonstrated fighting spirit but ultimately proved insufficient against Al Arabi's balanced attack featuring players from four different nations.

Strategic Implications for UAE Football Development

These results reflect broader trends in Emirati football development. The UAE Football Association's emphasis on competitive cup competitions provides crucial exposure for first division clubs, potentially accelerating player development and raising overall standards.

The international diversity in goal-scorers—featuring players from Palestine, Brazil, Netherlands, and England—illustrates how UAE clubs are leveraging global talent markets to enhance competitiveness, similar to strategies employed by clubs in neighboring Gulf states.

Looking Ahead: Second Round Showdowns

The second preliminary round will feature two compelling matchups: Hatta versus Al Hamriya and Dibba Al-Hisn against Al Arabi. Both games promise tactical intrigue as teams with contrasting styles and ambitions clash for progression.

Sunday's four remaining first-round fixtures—including United versus Al Ittifaq and Al Uruba against Emirates Club—will complete the preliminary round picture and determine the full second-round bracket.

The President's Cup continues to serve its intended purpose: providing meaningful competition for UAE's developing football ecosystem while offering pathways for smaller clubs to achieve national recognition.