Mohammed Juma scored and provided an assist as Shabab Al Ahli defeated Emirates team 2-0 in the President’s Cup quarter-finals at the Rashid Stadium on Tuesday.
The diminutive Emirati, 23, found the back of the net with a splendid effort two minutes before the break and sent a through pass for Brazilian Igor Jesus to net the second on 76 minutes.
Shabab Al Ahli started positively. Juma intercepted a Carlos Eduardo pass and worked down the left, before cutting into the box and unleashing a left-footer.
Ismail Al Hammadi had a golden chance to double the lead four minutes into the second half. The UAE international had only the keeper to beat but he sent the shot way over the crossbar.
Emirates beat the goalkeeper twice but the goals were disallowed following a VAR referral for offside and for a foul by Colombian forward Tommy Tobar on the Shabab Al Ahli keeper Majed Naser.
The hosts then put the game beyond Emirates when Jesus tapped the ball into an empty net, much to the delight of their returning Emirati manager Mahdi Ali who is back for his third spell at the club.
Mahdi replaced Spaniard Gerard Zaragoza last week but his first game in charge ended in defeat to Fujairah 3-2 in the Arabian Gulf League four days ago.
Hamdan Al Kamali, who was a member of the UAE Olympic and senior national teams when Mahdi was in charge, is confident of his team's chances.
“There is no immediate fix for a team that hasn’t done well in the first 10 games in the league [nine points behind the leaders in ninth spot] but this result certainly is a good start,” the centre back said.
“Tonight we showed a lot of stability in the defence which really was the key for the win. The first goal came right on time before the break and it provided us the momentum for the next half.
“We had a few youngsters in the line-up for this game and one of them [Juma] played a massive role when provided with the opportunity. He scored and made an assist. I think these are good signs for the coming games.”
In the late match at the Al Maktoum Stadium, second-half strikes from Israeli signing Diaa Saba and Sebastian Tagliabue sealed Al Nasr’s passage to the last four after their 2-0 win over Ajman.
Nasr and Ajman both ended the game with 10-men. Mahmoud Khamis was banished in the 66th minute for a second bookable offence while Ajman’s Mohammed Ismail followed suit seven minutes for the same fault.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Countries offering golden visas
UK
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Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
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Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
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