Players battling for the ball.

ABU DHABI, Aug 2: Al-Arabi suffered a 1-2 defeat to UAE side Hatta in their opening friendly match during its training camp in Abu Dhabi.

The team is currently preparing in the UAE ahead of its Asian Challenge League playoff match against Maldivian club Mazia Spor, scheduled for August 12 in the Maldives.

Al-Arabi will play two more friendlies against UAE clubs Bani Yas and Al Wahda on the upcoming Wednesday and Thursday, before traveling to the Maldives on Friday.

Following the loss, Portuguese coach Marco Alves reaffirmed the club’s goal to qualify for the group stage of the Asian Challenge League. He stressed the importance of the friendly matches for preparation but emphasized that the main focus remains on securing a positive result against Mazia Spor.

The team’s training continues in Abu Dhabi with most players present, including the full roster of foreign signings: Belgian-Congolese Julian Ngoyi, French-Guinean Hassimi Fadiga, Ugandan Kenneth Semakula, and Nigerian players Ayano Ewuala and Christopher John.

Coach Alves intends to rotate the squad extensively in the upcoming friendlies to evaluate player readiness, especially since the matches will take place on consecutive days. He also aims to acclimate the team to humid conditions to better prepare for the weather in the Maldives.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff