After almost two decades, the UAE handball championship trophy is back to Al Jazira. The Pride of Abu Dhabi won its first Championship title since 1997, leaving title contenders Al Sharjah, Al Nasr and Al Ahli behind.
In a crucial match of the season, Al Jazira won a hard-fought 29:27 (16:14) victory over resilient Al Ain SC side.
Al Jazira, coached by Walid Ben Amor, opened the game nervously. Al Ain, this year surprise package, took the initial lead. However, the favorites, inspired with excellent play of their top scorer Ali Zein, improved efficiency, strengthened the defense and managed to turn the game before the halftime break.
In the second half Al Ain was a constant threat for the new champion, but Jugoslav Ramic’s players did not manage to make another surprise and hamper the Al Jazira title hopes. Final whistle was kick-off for the huge celebration of the long awaited title.
Al Jazira, managed by chairman Mohamed Hassan Al Suwaidi, crowned an excellent season in which the Abu Dhabi club won bronze medal on the Gulf Championship and displayed number of outstanding performances both locally and internationally.
TEXT: Marko Selakovic
Pingback: Double crown for Al Jazira in UAE | Handball Planet