Emirati boys asked to shape up



The UAE youngsters have been told to pull their socks up if they are to qualify for the second round of the Under 16 Asia Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The youth team play China today and Bader Ahmed, their coach, said they must improve after wasting a host of chances in their 0-0 draw against Kuwait in their first group game.

"If we can't score from the chances we create, then we are not going anywhere," said Ahmed. "We had plenty of opportunities to score against Kuwait but we didn't. The only consolation is that we didn't lose. So one point is better than nothing.

"I hope the boys will come back stronger against China. They know how important this result would be for our qualification to the next round. If we can win, our chances will certainly look bright when we meet Iraq in the final game in the group stage."

China are at the bottom of the four-team group from which the top two qualify for the quarter-finals. Iraq, who top the group, take on Kuwait in today's other game.

* Agencies

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