UAE host Bahrain in Tuesday friendly

UAE national team coach Mahdi Ali will be hoping for a better attendance for Tuesday’s friendly against Bahrain at Al Wasl Stadium, after criticising fans for not turning up to watch Friday’s 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan. Ali told media he would rather the UAE played all their games outside the country after 200-odd Uzbek fans out-sung and outnumbered the locals, despite the match being played at Al Shabab Stadium in Al Mamza and entry being free. Tuesday’s friendly, which kicks-off at 6.35pm, will be Ali’s fourth game in charge after last month’s 1-0 defeat away to Japan and a 3-0 home win over reigning Gulf Cup champions Kuwait. Ali will need all the support he can get against 2013 Gulf Cup hosts Bahrain, to signal intent heading into January’s competition, while preparing his squad for 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers, which start in February. The UAE have won 10 matches to Bahrain’s nine after four draws apiece in 27 matches, signaling a closely fought contest. Bahrain, however, under former England caretaker manager Peter Taylor, will be looking to strengthen ahead of their home tournament from January 5-18. Gulf News