Sepahan star man Moharram Navidkia.
Sepahan star man Moharram Navidkia.

Asian Champions League: Guide to Group C teams



The inside track on Al Nasr's rivals in this year's Asian Champions League group stage

Sepahan - Iran

The Iranians own several domestic records and have won the past three domestic titles. Success has not been restricted to Iran, though, as in 2007 they reached the final of the Asian Champions League before losing 2-0 to Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds. Al Nasr may not provide cause for concern - Sepahan twice defeated them in last year's group stages en route to the quarter-finals - yet Bruno Correa, the Brazilian, has since swapped clubs, and Sepahan will recognise his talents.

Star man: Moharram Navidkia (midfielder)

Al Gharafa - Qatar

An eighth appearance in the Asian Champions League promises more than last year's disappointing group exit. The Qatar club, seven-time domestic champions, are struggling at home, sitting sixth in the table, but January recruits in Nene and Djibril Cisse suggest they have the firepower to trouble the continent's best defences. And in Mark Bresciano, they boast Al Nasr's top scorer from last season. The Australian departed in acrimonious circumstances, and will be keen to inflict more pain on his former teammates.

Star man: Nene (forward)

Al Ahli - Saudi Arabia

One of the most high-profile clubs in the region, the Saudi giants finished runners-up in Asia last year. Having dumped Al Jazira out of the last 16 via a penalty shoot-out, Sepahan were easily dispatched before South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai proved too difficult a task in the final. However, Ahli, twice champions of the Saudi Pro League, are only fifth this season, despite coming home second the previous campaign. Karel Jarolím, the experienced Czech coach, will hope the attacking talents of Bruno Cesar, the former Benfica striker, can help fire them to glory.

Star man: Taisir Al Jassim (midfielder)

PRISCILLA
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Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale

Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni

Director: Amith Krishnan

Rating: 3.5/5

What is the FNC?

The Federal National Council is one of five federal authorities established by the UAE constitution. It held its first session on December 2, 1972, a year to the day after Federation.
It has 40 members, eight of whom are women. The members represent the UAE population through each of the emirates. Abu Dhabi and Dubai have eight members each, Sharjah and Ras al Khaimah six, and Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain have four.
They bring Emirati issues to the council for debate and put those concerns to ministers summoned for questioning. 
The FNC’s main functions include passing, amending or rejecting federal draft laws, discussing international treaties and agreements, and offering recommendations on general subjects raised during sessions.
Federal draft laws must first pass through the FNC for recommendations when members can amend the laws to suit the needs of citizens. The draft laws are then forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration and approval. 
Since 2006, half of the members have been elected by UAE citizens to serve four-year terms and the other half are appointed by the Ruler’s Courts of the seven emirates.
In the 2015 elections, 78 of the 252 candidates were women. Women also represented 48 per cent of all voters and 67 per cent of the voters were under the age of 40.
 

Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode

Directors: Raj & DK

Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4
Company%20Profile
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info-box

COMPANY PROFILE

Company name: Happy Tenant

Started: January 2019

Co-founders: Joe Moufarrej and Umar Rana

Based: Dubai

Sector: Technology, real-estate

Initial investment: Dh2.5 million

Investors: Self-funded

Total customers: 4,000

F1 drivers' standings

1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 281

2. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari 247

3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes 222

4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 177

5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 138

6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull 93

7. Sergio Perez, Force India 86

8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 56

The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now


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