Qatar-Bound Qawasim Lions Gear Up for Arab Cup Challenge in Doha

The UAE national football team begins training in Doha today as they prepare for the Arab Cup 2025, which runs from January 1-18 in Qatar. With their main goalkeeper Khalid Eisa sidelined due to injury, all eyes are on rising star Hamad Al Maqbali to step up as the team's first-choice keeper in what could be a defining tournament for the young talent.

The UAE finds itself in Group 3 alongside Egypt, Jordan, and Kuwait. Their campaign kicks off Wednesday against Jordan at Al Bayt Stadium, followed by a clash with Egypt on January 6 at Lusail Stadium, and wraps up the group stage against Kuwait on January 9 at Stadium 974.

The team arrived in Qatar yesterday after completing a brief training camp in Dubai, where they held three practice sessions at the Dubai Police Officers Club. But the real story heading into the tournament centers around the goalkeeping situation.

Dr. Zakaria Ahmed, the national team's goalkeeping coach, sees Eisa's absence as a golden opportunity rather than a setback. "This gives coach Olalio Kozmin the perfect chance to start Al Maqbali as our main goalkeeper in the Arab Cup," he told local media.

Al Maqbali's numbers back up the confidence. Last season, he was the first-choice keeper for both the Olympic team and his club Shabab Al Ahli. The 22-year-old helped Shabab Al Ahli win both the league title and the President's Cup, establishing himself as one of the UAE's most promising talents.

His current form is even more impressive. Through eight rounds of this season's ADNOC Pro League, Al Maqbali has conceded just one goal – the best clean sheet record in the competition. That defensive solidity reflects both his individual skill and Shabab Al Ahli's strong backline, but goalkeeping coaches notice these things.

"There's no risk in starting him," Ahmed emphasized. "He's already proven himself at the highest level. Shabab Al Ahli won two major trophies with him between the posts."

For Al Maqbali, the Arab Cup represents more than just filling in for an injured teammate. It's a chance to establish himself as the UAE's long-term number one. At 22, he has the age and experience balance that national team coaches dream about.

The UAE's 24-man squad includes a mix of local and naturalized players, reflecting the country's approach to building competitive teams. Key players include defender Ali Khaseif, midfielder Ali Saleh, and forward Yahya Al Ghassani, who will need to step up if the team hopes to advance from a challenging group.

Egypt enters as the group favorite, but Jordan and Kuwait both bring experienced squads that can cause problems. The UAE's success may well depend on how quickly Al Maqbali adapts to the pressure of being the undisputed first choice in a major tournament.

For UAE football, this tournament serves as important preparation for future World Cup qualifying campaigns. Getting the goalkeeping position sorted out now could pay dividends down the road, especially if Al Maqbali can handle the spotlight that comes with representing his country on home soil in the Gulf region.