Paulo Sousa, the manager, said Shabab Al Ahli’s Iranian contingent remain key to the club’s pursuit of success.
The defending champions resumed their UAE Pro League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Al Wahda in Dubai on Saturday night. It was the first match day since the conflict in the Middle East started last weekend.
Two minutes after kick-off, the supporters at Rashid Stadium sang Ishy Bilady, and the whole ground stood, following it with rousing applause.
Sousa had used his prematch TV interview to thank the UAE’s leaders for their handling of the situation, saying it created conditions for people to continue doing what they love – such as playing football.
Shabab Al Ahli’s Portuguese coach reiterated that message after the game.
“I'm really grateful to this country, for the safety t
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