ABU DHABI // Mohanad Salem, the Al Ain centre-back, is confident the UAE can qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Salem, speaking at Sunday’s AGL Awards where he was shortlisted for best Emirati player, said the country’s golden generation “are capable of qualifying”.
“The most important and biggest goal is to qualify for the World Cup, because I think it is time for us to qualify, and if we did not it will be a shame.”
The UAE are currently third in Group A in the second round of Asian qualifying, having won their opener 1-0 away to East Timor. The other teams in the group are Saudi Arabia, Palestine and Malaysia.
Mahdi Ali’s side should comfortably reach the final round of qualifying, which then sees sides placed in two groups of six, with the top two sides in each group reaching Russia 2018.
Salem, who helped Al Ain secure a 12th league title last season, said being nominated for awards was recognition for playing in what he says is an under-appreciated position.
“Most people have their eyes on the attackers or midfield attackers,” he said. “So this really means a lot to me.”
Salem added the fact that he is a defender and got nominated for a best-player award “gives me more of a push for next season”.
“Hard work did not just pay off from me only, but it is the whole squad who had to put a lot of effort for the team; it is teamwork.
“ I think one of our strengths is our defence and I hope for the next season we continue with this kind of mentality.”
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