United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali hails his ‘little brothers’ after 4-1 win over Qatar

UNITED Arab Emirates boss Mahdi Ali is proud of his “little brothers” after a brilliant Asian Cup 4-1 win over Qatar at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

Mohamed (L) and scorer Ali Ahmed Mabkhout (R) of UAE react after a goal during the Asian Cup football match between UAE and Qatar in Canberra on January 11, 2015. AFP PHOTO / MARK GRAHAM --- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERICAL USE --

UNITED Arab Emirates boss Mahdi Ali is proud of his ‘’little brothers’’ after a brilliant Asian Cup 4-1 win over Qatar at Canberra Stadium on Sunday.

Ali revealed he has worked with the game’s man-of-the-match recipient Ahmed Khalil - scorer of two goals - since he was eight years old from 1998 while he has nurtured 16 players in his 23-man squad since 2004.

“I don’t want them to call me papa because I feel like very old,’’ said the 49-year-old former UAE international.

“I like to see them as my little brothers.”

Ali revealed he first coached the foundation of his 23-man Asian Cup squad when he led the UAE’s under 16 national team.

“Ahmed has been working with me since 1998,’’ Ali said.

“Ali always has a good performance especially in important games.

“But I have had this group maybe 16 players that have worked with me since 2004.

“At that time I was an assistant coach and since 2008 I was a head coach and I’m very happy they have grown together.

“We help each other a lot.

Mohamed and Ali Ahmed Mabkhout celebrate a good afternoon for UAE.

“We understand each and this is helping me do my job.

“I know that it’s more difficult for me because I have to always look for new players (for my squad).”

Ali was pleased with his side’s character after trailing to the recent Gulf Cup champion in the first half before Khalil scored and Ali Mabkhout bagged a brace to give UAE a perfect Group C start.

Khalil’s first goal was seemingly bizarre but his second strike - a wicked dipping free kick from 20m - was a lot more conventional after sailing through a sea of legs.

“I am happy that I scored two goals,’’ Khalil said.

Mahdi Ali Hassan was proud of his players’ Asian Cup opening win.

“But the second goal for me was the most beautiful because this is the way I wanted to score and maybe the first one was different but I’m very happy about the two goals.”

But Qatar coach Djamel Belmadi said losing by three goals to its Gulf neighbour was brutal when his side capitulated after taking a first half lead through Khalfan Ibrahim.

He said Qatar goalkeeper Qasem Burhan who won the golden glove at the Gulf Cup made two mistakes for the goals but he wasn’t totally to blame for the loss.

“It was a big punch in the face,’’ Belmadi said.

“To receive two goals from free kicks…yes the goalkeeper made two mistakes but this is football.”

Originally published as United Arab Emirates coach Mahdi Ali hails his ‘little brothers’ after 4-1 win over Qatar