Asian Cup 2019: Yemen (Preview)

Through civil war, disease and famine, the reality of the Yemeni crisis has dominated the news headlines over the last five years. Throughout it all, the meagre sideshow of football gives a small distraction to those in the country, qualifying for their first Asian Cup in their nation’s history. While expectations of achieving anything on the pitch in the UAE start from a very low point, Yemen's success story amidst adversity is one to be celebrated across the whole continent.

It’s regrettably becoming a theme in Asian football, but that of countries going above and beyond their expectation under extreme hardship is a common occurrence. Alongside Iraq’s underdog Asian Cup triumph in 2007 and Syria’s run to near World Cup qualification last year, Yemen’s passage to January’s continental showpiece whilst experiencing national conflict will go down as one of the more incredible feats in recent footballing history.

While everyday life occurs in pockets amongst the fighting of civil war, football is quite necessarily and severely on the back burner, with the national league having to suspend since the conflict began. While Yemen has players displaced across the region playing professional football, a regular route throughout qualification for those home-based players left at home, was to travel by boat and armoured vehicles, through check points and across boarders to Qatar, to take up their adopted home-from-home in Doha.

In Qatar, there was solace, a starting block to build a sort of progress upon. Yemen started their qualification campaign earlier than most set to play in the UAE, way back in March 2015, with a 3-1 victory at their make do home against Pakistan. The long arduous journey to the Asian Cup that followed, which experienced its fair share of on the pitch scares, heavy defeats and nervy wobbles, was emblematic of the country’s struggles over this time. A period in which they will always have their monumental qualification to savour from.

The turning point came via the appointment of Abraham Mebratu, who gave life to a campaign, which had initially saw them lose seven of their eight first stage matches. The Ethiopian coach had already achieved plenty with the Yemeni youth ranks and had been tasked with overseeing the progress of national football as a whole, as technical director at the YFA, was rushed in to save the seniors going into the final round of Asian Cup qualification.

Somehow, given the imbalance of the squad, the results that preceded his reign and the constraints the team had to deal with, Mebratu led Yemen to an unbeaten final stage, including draws against Philippines and an unbeaten record against an impressively attacking Tajikistan. It wasn’t the most dominant of phases, drawing more than they'd won, yet the unimaginable was achieved, using a core of players that had something to fight for.

Going into the Asian Cup, the true state of the team is a relative unknown. Yemen played only their first matches since qualification in November, selecting a broadly U23 squad, with several unfamiliar faces. Without a domestic league to fully run the rule over new squad inclusions, the trip to neighbouring Saudi Arabia and UAE in the last month has undoubtedly proven useful in their modest preparation period.

While progress has been achieved on the pitch, the ongoing conflict has seen Yemen live merely off the handouts of its neighbours, ironically the same nations who to this day are heavily involved in the conflict. With Asian football, politics is regularly intertwined, and the struggles to organise any sort of preparatory friendlies or training camps has been balanced hand-in-hand with the ongoing civil unrest.

So much so, when Mebratu announced his resignation upon qualification, observers couldn’t have blamed him. With a lack of resources, continuity nor a solid foundation on which to prepare, the chance to jump ship back home to Ethiopia was an obvious alternative. His replacement, Slovak Jan Kocian, who was only sworn in in October, couldn’t have been left in a more tenuous position, given the lack of domestic action to survey and regular internationals to dissect, the fact the manager doesn’t reside in the nation is going to further disperse the preparation.

What he has got however, is willing talent, that come January has very little to lose on the pitch. Much of the squad has been brought through together from the U23 ranks that Mebratu put together over the last five years. Their brightest of which, attacking duo Abdulwasea Al-Matari and youngster Ahmed Al-Sarori have secured regular playing time abroad, Al-Sarori most bizarrely in Brazil of all places, whilst their defensive record, but for poor results, has been relatively strong of late.

While Yemen have only recorded two wins over the last two and half years of play, Kocian can grasp to solid enough friendly performances in November, and a decent unbeaten streak of four draws that occurred at the latter end of last year. Counting on the experience of skipper and keeper Mohammed Ayash, one of only a couple of players within the squad over 30, this campaign could prove more than being an ending of a historic four years, rather a start of something to rally support behind going forward.

When it comes to stability, this Yemeni side couldn’t be further a distant from the country it represents. While they prepare for daunting tasks against Iran, Iraq and Vietnam in the group phase, chances of securing any points might be sender, yet they’ll for sure be a tough nut to crack. With much more to play for than mere points, the Yemen national team have already succeeded in shedding light onto the grave plight of their homeland that continues to this day.

Key Men

Head Coach - Jan Kocian (SVK)

Slovak coach, who was appointed Yemen head coach only in October, after nearly half a year without a manager. Having most recently coached in Poland, Kocian has experience in Asia, managing Jiangsu Sainty in China and South China in Hong Kong, while also coaching his home national side over a decade ago. Left with a mountain to climb, he lives permanently outside the country on the lead up to the Asian Cup.

Star Player - Abdulwasea Al-Matari

Top marksman in qualification, scoring key goals in both their passages through the playoff rounds. A wide left midfielder, who tends to cut inside and shoot from distance, his link up play with teammates blooded through the youth generation by previous coach Abraham Mebratu has been their most successful route to success of late. His winning penalty against Nepal sealed qualification in March.

Cult Hero - Aiman Al-Hagri

One of the more well-known faces of Yemeni football, Al-Hagri has been a regular feature on the national scene since he was an 18-year-old, some seven years ago. Has bounced around Asia in search of regular football, including spells with Tractor Sazi in Iran, Al-Riffa in Bahrain, and most recently for Shillong Lajong in India.

Young Starlet - Ahmed Al-Sarori

20-year-old wide man or lone front man who rose to prominence in early World Cup qualification, scoring both of Yemen’s early efforts, including the winner over the Philippines. Moved from his home nation to the Brazilian fourth tier, with Central Sport Club over the summer. A promising player, who’ll pose a threat to slower defences.

AFC International Week Focus (June)

It’s been more than 14 months since Asia’s elite nations last had the chance to test their metal with the World’s best in international friendlies, in that time of course we’ve raced through Round 2 of World Cup/Asian Cup qualification, finding out the final 12 in the race for Russia 2018. Alongside this window which saw the very best compete against some of Europe’s finest, of course preparing for their very own continental tournament, we also saw some inter-regional clashes in friendly tournaments and some competitive action for Asia’s minnows facing off in the first round of Asian Cup qualification playoffs.

Asia's Top 10 Friendlies

2014's World Cup was the clearest reminder of how Asia has fallen behind the rest of the world. From now on, if a major Asian nation with World Cup qualification aspirations isn't organising friendlies with Europe's elite during international windows, it's broadly seen as a missed opportunity. Australia have been at the forefront of this, after successfully drawing with Germany last year. This time it was less successful in terms of the results, but again Ange Postecoglou's side came out of their three fixtures with plenty of credit and admiring glances, suggesting a real improvement from 2015's Asian Cup victory.

A narrow defeat to England (1-2) was followed up with a win (1-0) and a defeat (1-2) at home to Greece. Every match had it's positives and negatives, while Postecoglou rolled out both 433/442-diamond formations that have become expected to followers of the Socceroos, while there were numerous debutants with varying levels of success. The next stage as the coach stated himself is to ensure more of his players are moving, and playing regularly in Europe, primed directly at midfielder Aaron Mooy who's likely to leave Melbourne City this summer.

Elsewhere the greatest success story of the week came through Iran, who recorded back to back victories against Macedonia (3-1) and Kyrgyzstan (6-0). Hardly the kind of tests they'd desired, given their Croatia friendly fell through late on, but it was another decent opportunity to illustrate their attacking capabilities, Sardar Azmoun in particular impressing with four goals over the week.

It was a very up and down week for Korea Republic followers, initially getting smashed 6-1 to European champions Spain, before redeeming themselves somewhat with a 2-1 win over Czech Republic. The first result will however linger long in the memory, as this match was promoted as Korea's chance to illustrate how far they'd come under Uli Stielike, having not lost since their Asian Cup final appearance last January. The loss was greeted with disdain, some comparing it to the country's most embarrassing defeat in their history, something that needs to evaporate quickly ahead of their World Cup qualification return.

Also this week, China PR predictably opted to stay at home, as they've been known to for year's of international windows, mainly due to their lack of European based talent. Hence their opposition was at a weaker level, with established nations warming up for their respective continental tournaments. A 4-2 victory over Trinidad & Tabago followed by a shock loss to Kazakhstan does little in inspiring the nation however, especially given their limp progression to WCQ Round 3 in March. Amidst the disappointment strikers Jiang Ning and Zhang Yuning helped their causes with promising displays against T&T. The former notched his fourth in three starts since his return from three years away from the national team setup, while the latter scored a brace and laid on another for Jiang on his debut.

In Kirin Cup action, the first edition of the tournament that included more than two teams taking part in it for 5 years, hosts Japan broadly met current expectations. Facing European sides free from Euro 2016 commitments. Japan waltzed past Bulgaria 7-2, underlining their ability to fly past teams who they dominate possession against, before losing to Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 in the final, illustrating some of the same shortfalls that have been present for a while. One being the lack of fighting spirit or physical grit needed to compete against other continents, highlighted by coach Vahid Halilhodzic. It remains the same old story sadly.

Finally, considering the one off friendlies of Asia's elite, Uzbekistan who had their friendly against Equatorial Guinea cancelled earlier in the week went on to taste defeat against Canada in their encounter in Austria, while Qatar, who also traveled to central Europe, despite a promising opening went on to lose 3-1 against Euro 2016 qualified but considerable outsiders Albania.

King’s Cup

Thailand's King's Cup, a regular friendly tournament usually a place for Youth team experimentation felt a much more worthwhile venture this year with fellow WCQ Round 3 qualified nations UAE and Syria alongside a continental Top 10 side Jordan. For one it allowed an interesting look at those outsiders for World Cup qualification, but for another it pitted the West of Asia against Thailand in the East Asians back yard. 

The Thais became eventual victors first avoiding a scare against Syria in the semis, initially losing a 2-0 lead before progressing on penalties, while in the final they eased past Jordan 2-0 for their first title in the event since 2007. Jordan themselves will be happy with their efforts given their devastating exit in World Cup qualification in March, while rebuilding under a home coach such as current caretaker Abdullah Abu Zema, already illustrates the benefits of not extending Harry Redknapp's brief spell in the national team hot seat.

Syria bounced back from defeat on penalties to Thailand by clinching third over UAE. National pride was at stake, if nothing else given both nations were missing key players, however results such as these do offer hope that Syrian expectations in WCQ don't necessarily need to be so low.

AYA Bank Cup

Elsewhere in the region, Myanmar hosted the inaugural AYA Bank Cup in Yangon. Vietnam who made it through to the final with a penalty shoot out win over Hong Kong, clinched the title with style easing past Singapore 3-0 in the final. For the losers it was another disappointing week of football. They did clinch a debut victory for incoming boss Varadaraju Sundramoorthy, however they did do it against the run of play against the hosts in the semi-finals.

Overall it was a case of what could have been for Myanmar, often regarded as a minnow of South East Asian football, they more than competed once again. After cruelly being beaten by Singapore in the semis they eased past Hong Kong 3-0 to clinch third. All four East Asian nations will take part in Asian Cup Qualification Round 3 when the group state returns in March. 

Asian Cup Qualification Playoffs

Speaking of ACQ Round 3, there were still 8 places to be decided, to be determined over two rounds of home/away playoffs, the first of which took place this week. Cambodia, India, Malaysia, Tajikistan and Yemen all clinched their place in March's group stage, while the losers will be given another chance to redeem themselves when they join Bhutan in September/October's second batch of playoffs.

The first tie between Cambodia and Chinese Taipei was broadly seen as a match up of two of the worst sides from WCQ Round 2, however provided one the most entertaining ties of the week. Cambodia's successful 4-2 on aggregate victory after initially clinching a 2-2 draw away in Taiwan can be attributed to a fantastic home support in excess of 50,000 in Phnom Penh. Keo Sokpheng stood out in particular over both matches as a talented wide midfielder, in what was a heated battle on and off the ball.

India went someway to proving their doubters wrong with a comprehensive 7-1 aggregate win over Laos, including a 6-1 thrashing upon their return home. There was much needed hope in the goal scoring department, something they've relied upon for so long from ageing central striker Sunil Chhetri. A possible successor is within their midst, Jeje Lalpekhlua scored the decisive goal in Vientiane before opening the scoring back in Guwahati.

Effective back-to-back home legs for Malaysia produced the same result, two 3-0 wins over Timor-Leste that assured their progression. While Malaysia looked a side back in full confidence, the state of East Timorese football continues to fall to a new low. Another example of putting their faith in either ageing Brazilian born nationalised players or local teenagers continues to falter. It often looks like a financial situation that contradicts its self, assuming they are paying considerable amounts to fly in Brazilian talent from their club bases across Asia, however they continue to lack the relevant resources, again turning up in fake knockoff Adidas kits for the matches.

On a more pleasing note, Tajikistan look a side that are moving quickly up the gears at the bottom of Asia's international game. A 6-0 aggregate win over Bangladesh was conquered in relatively comfortable fashion, almost branding the return leg in Dhaka as a dead rubber, and so it was played like. They'll go into March's next round of qualification in high hopes, in practice they shouldn't have got themselves in such a state that they needed to go through the playoffs, however the fact they witnessed competitive football during this window will only aid their preparation going forward.

Finally, Yemen lived up to what I've been hoping of them over the last few years, recording dual 2-0 victories "home" and away against Maldives. Their island nation opponents were still getting to grips with losing Ali Ashfaq to impending retirement, while injury would've ruled him out anyway here, while Yemen finally replicated their proficiency in defence in clinical style in front of goal. Their victory ensured that only East Asian sides are left at the wrong end of Asian pyramid, as the next round of playoffs approach. 

Gulf Cup Review (Saudi Arabia 2014)

Qatar completed a memorable year on the pitch as they defied the odds to comeback and beat hosts Saudi Arabia in this month’s Gulf Cup final. With the world’s eye firmly fixed on the ongoing soap opera being the 2018 World Cup, Qatar have quietly gone about their business to terrific effect in 2014, impressing in a number of regional competitions before romping to victory in Riyadh.

The final illustrated the true grit in which Qatar had possessed throughout the tournament, bouncing back from an early Saud Khariri header for the hosts, to level almost immediately through centre back – and captain for the final – Ibrahim Majid in similar fashion. To complete the comeback, a fine winner from Boualem Khoukhi, who’d been kicked off the park all match only to come up with the goods to seal Qatar’s first Gulf Cup title in 10 years.

Khoukhi personally had an eventful tournament, going into the tournament on a wave of hype after an impressive run through the national ranks before, being selected ahead of the injured national hero Sebastian Soria, firmly thrusting the nation’s expectations onto his young shoulders.

In truth, Khoukhi didn’t have the worst of tournaments, but at times such a great step up in class had him looking lost and fragile as a lone forward. After flitting in and out of the team, he finally showed his worth netting in the final match, going on to guide the team home into victory in a special second half showing.

The Qataris were far from unexpected victors, but they battled against injury with influential playmaker Khalfan Ibrahim joining Soria on the treatment table before the tournament, and regular captain Bilal Mohammed being struck down before the final. They also had to come up against the hosts, not only in the opening match of the tournament but also in the final, where they emerged unbeaten over the two ties.

They started with a 1-1 draw against the Saudis in what was a cagey opening contest, the hosts’ nemesis Majid scoring his first of two against the Falcons, before they continued to stutter in subsequent 0-0 draws against the unfancied Yemen and Bahrain. With that they crawled through against the odds, not picking up a single win and only scoring a solitary goal in the group stage.

The semi-finals finally saw Qatar wake up. After going one behind to Oman, an Al-Haydos penalty before half time followed by the introduction of Ali Assadalla turned the contest and their whole tournament around, finally illustrating their attacking capabilities on the counter in a 3-1 win, breezing through to the final stage against their initial group opponents Saudi Arabia.

While Qatar hardly pulled up any trees on their route to the final, Saudi Arabia revelled in their position as hosts, exploding after the cautious 1-1 draw with Qatar, beating Bahrain easily 3-0 before edging past Yemen 1-0. Goal poacher and Asian Player of the Year nominee Nasser Al-Shamrani was at his clinical best, as was eventual MVP winner Nawaf Al-Abid who joined Al-Shamrani on the score sheet in the semi-final classic encounter with UAE.

The Saudis strolled into a 2-0 first-half lead before the Emirati’s hit back with two second half goals sending them seemingly into an enthralling extra-time contest. That was before Salem Al-Dawsai thrashed home a long range effort to send the stadium and nation into raptures, setting the path through to the Gulf Cup final.

As hosts, a final appearance was expected by the nation with what had come before a realistic shot at the title ahead of travelling to the Asian Cup in January. While the talents of Al-Abid have seen him all but cement a place in Saudi’s starting line-up for the competition, a couple of their regular stars failed to light up the final, leaving a disappointing after taste for those home supporters who had attended the final in Riyadh.

Further fan disappoint was felt in the semis, as reigning champions UAE exited earlier than expected. The Emiratis failed to ever remain at their attacking best; while there were clear bright spots through golden boot winner Ahmed Ali Mabkhout, who is starting to look like a real continental star, and through playmaker Omar Abdulrahman, whose genius in the UAE midfield was cut short through injury, UAE overall looked short of their best. UAE will go into 2015 with high hopes, but added consistency is still needed to successfully compete in Australia.

Fellow semi-finalists Oman conversely performed above what was expected after a slow start to their group phase. Back-to-back draws were followed by a spectacular 5-0 victory over Kuwait to make their way through to the semis. A hat-trick through Said Salim stole the headlines, but great work during the tournament from Mohammed Al Seyabi and Raed Ibrahim Saleh, who conjured a stunning volley in the semi-final defeat to Qatar, offer greater hope for the national team going into the new year.

Of those who exited through the group stage it was the familiar tale of frustration and disappointment. Yemen arguably came out of it the best as the lowest rank side in the competition after defying the odds to hold Bahrain and Qatar before only narrowly losing to the hosts. It was a similar story for fellow Group A opponents Bahrain who also picked up two 0-0 draws either side of a comprehensive 3-0 loss to the Saudis.

In Group B it was a much more enthralling contest, as Kuwait, our underdogs for a final push started well, beating Iraq in the final minutes courtesy of a stunning finish from Fahad Al-Enezi before an impressive 2-2 draw with UAE. However, in need of only a point from the final match, the Kuwaitis collapsed going down 5-0 to Oman and finished the tournament with the Gulf’s worst defence.

The biggest disappointment came in the shape of Iraq, who were completely off the boil throughout despite fielding a strong on paper, youthful line-up. They didn’t ever seem to get out of first gear, only registering one point over Oman and finishing bottom of the pile in Group B.

The Gulf Cup grows in popularity with every edition. Its 22nd hasn’t broken with tradition, with some real glimmers of quality being beamed around the world. For observers it also highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the region when it comes to competing for the Asian Cup in January.

While individual brilliance was on show with a number of sensational personal and team goals, attacking flair was often stunted by some cautious and, at times, brutal defensive tactics. It remains to be seen if this year’s Gulf champions Qatar can reassemble with their absent stars and make a real fist of toppling the established order in Australia.

Gulf Cup Preview (Saudi Arabia 2014)

The 22nd Gulf Cup competition kicks off in Riyadh next week with many seeing this as a mini-dress-rehearsal of January’s Asian Cup for 7 of the West Asian qualifiers. Hosts Saudi Arabia, reigning champions UAE alongside an in-form Qatar look the likeliest contenders for this year’s crown, while a recent return to winning ways for Kuwait casts them as dark horses for a shot at upsetting the usual balance. Here’s a preview of each side competing, with the final set to take place on Wednesday 26th November.

Group A

 

Saudi Arabia

 

Hosts with plenty of support in the nation’s capital will be under pressure to clinch a fourth Gulf Cup title and their first in over a decade. Realistically one of three sides that will also be expecting a strong run to the latter stages in the Asian Cup, Saudi Arabia have recorded some erratic results over the past few months including an impressive draw against Uruguay followed by a miserable draw with Lebanon. Immensely experienced across the pitch, a high number of their squad gained rave reviews for their performances for Al-Ittihad and eventual finalists Al-Hilal in this year’s Asian Champions League.

 

Key man; Nasser Al-Shamrani – Predatory centre forward, who has performed emphatically as a penalty box poacher over the past year. At times temperamental and criticised for sly tactics against opponents.

 

Qatar

 

Arguably the most in-form squad at the competition after impressive victories over Uzbekistan and Asian Cup hosts Australia in the last month. Organised line-up with flair on the flanks, they are spurred on by centre forward and skipper Sebastian Soria who has been at the focal point of much of Qatar’s good work. Crashed out miserably of the group stage last year but will be one of the favourites to make it all the way to the final this time around.

 

Key man; Khalfan Ibrahim – Creative winger who causes havoc with his technical ability to twist opposing full backs left and right. Asian player of the year in 2006.

 

Bahrain

 

The least successful of the established nations from the Gulf region. Apart from relative newcomers Yemen, they’re the only nation not to have won the regional title in their 21 previous appearances. Their form has drastically picked up in the past year remaining unbeaten since January, notching up decent draws against Uzbekistan and Qatar. Relatively cautious in their approach, Bahrain have proved tough in defence but lacking in attack.

 

Key man; Ismail Abdulatif – One of Bahrain’s greatest attacking products who has recently moved to the Saudi Pro League. Scorer of the winning goal that sent Bahrain to their World Cup playoff in 2010.

 

Yemen

 

The only side in the Gulf Cup competition not to have qualified for January’s Asian Cup, Yemen are unsurprisingly considerable underdogs for glory in Riyadh. Ranked below the likes of Guam and Bangladesh in recent FIFA World Rankings many will be writing them off causing a stir in the group stage. Despite losing every Gulf Cup group match last year without scoring, an upturn in performances since then has seen them push some established sides in recent friendlies including a narrow 3-2 defeat and draw against Iraq.

 

Key man; Ayman Al-Hargi – Raw attacking talent who holds the hope of the nation’s regional progress. For someone so young, he’s already been stationed at a number clubs across the Gulf region, most recently in Bahrain.

Group B

 

United Arab Emirates

 

Reigning champions who are piggy backing on the success of their domestic league in their hope of Gulf Cup retention and decent progress in January’s Asian Cup. Impressively tight defensively, the Emirati national side has struggled for goals of late but are starting to produce a couple of notable young striking talents in the form of Ahmed Ali Mabkhout and Ahmed Ismail who impressed at the 2012 Olympics. UAE have only won one of their last seven friendly matches this year, frustratingly drawing four in a row at the end of the summer.

 

Key man; Omar Abdulrahman – Technically gifted playmaker who is imperative to any attacking exploits UAE can garner. Struggling to be fit to make the competition with a knee injury that kept him out of the October internationals.

 

Iraq

 

One of the youngest squads in the competition, Iraq are building on their success at the last U20 World Cup which saw them reach the semi-finals. Their talents stretch across the globe with players playing in England, Sweden and various West Asian leagues. One of their strongest aspects is the attacking tandem of youngster Mohannad Abdul-Raheem and veteran Younis Mahmoud. Mahmoud remains Iraq’s most likely route to goal despite being without a club for over a year. Troubles in organising friendly competition in the last year has seen them go 7 months without a victory.

 

Key man; Ali Adnan – Attack minded left back who rose to prominence at the Under-20 World Cup before moving to Turkey with Rizespor. Famed for accurate delivery and direct attempts from dead ball situations.

 

Oman

 

After being one of West Asia’s leading lights a few years back, Oman have struggled in the run up to this competition. Oman’s golden period in the Gulf Cup came in the last decade where they reached the final three times in succession and clinched the trophy as hosts in 2009, since then they’ve struggled to make a real impact in the early stages. Defeats to two leading lights of World football; Uruguay and Costa Rica in recent months are hardly disastrous signs, however some have questioned why they haven’t tested themselves against similar strength sides in their Gulf Cup preparation.

 

Key man; Ali Al-Habsi – Legendary goalkeeper who had a short stint in the English Premier League with Wigan Athletic remains the only prominent overseas based player in the squad. Famed for his exceptional penalty saving abilities.

 

Kuwait

 

Lowly ranked in comparison to their competitors, it would be foolish to write off the Gulf Cup’s most successful nation with their domestic game continuing to succeed on the continent. Champions for three years running, Kuwaiti clubs Al-Kuwait and Al-Qadsia have dominated the AFC Cup scene, with much of their success being built around players who have broken through to the national team picture. After excelling for three decades in the Gulf Cup, Kuwait have only won one of the last seven editions of the competition, but will be looking to make at least the semi-finals this time around.

Key man; Bader Al-Mutawa – Experienced goal scorer who was instrumental in Al-Qadsia’s AFC Cup triumph this season, often provides his greatest threat drifting in from the flanks.