Wahda the best team, says Mana

Tommy Mana, the assistant coach of Hekari United, said he considers Al Wahda of the UAE the favourite to win the tournament. "My honest opinion, I would say Al Wahda are the best team. They are playing on their home ground." Josef Hickerbserger, the Wahda coach, said Inter Milan are most likely to win.

Lepani hopes countrymen attend game

Andrew Lepani, the Hekari United captain, is a programme manager for the United Nations in his native Papua New Guinea. He is a graduate of the University of Wollongong in Australia, and said some of his countrymen attend the Dubai branch of the school. He did not know if they plan to see Hekari play.

Team enjoyed Qatar celebrations

Hekari United spent five days in Doha before arriving in Abu Dhabi, and the squad was in Qatar when the Gulf country won the right to stage the 2022 World Cup. "We were part of the party," said the assistant coach Tommy Mana, who said the resulting parade with horses and elephants left an impression on him.