On a memorable night at the iconic Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai claimed the prestigious UAE President’s Cup title for the 11th time in their history, defeating Sharjah 2-1 in the final of the 48th edition of the competition.
A Dramatic Comeback and Tactical Discipline
Sharjah struck first in the 14th minute through Brazilian Marcos Miloni, capitalizing on a defensive lapse. But under the steady leadership of Portuguese head coach Paulo Sousa, Shabab Al Ahli responded with calmness and composure, maintaining their structure and gradually asserting control through tactical pressing and positional discipline.
Just before halftime, Brazilian star Yuri Cesar leveled the score with a stunning direct free-kick, curling the ball into the top right corner in stoppage time (45+1), providing a massive psychological boost for the Dubai-based side.
Sousa’s Tactical Tweaks Made the Difference
In the second half, Sousa adjusted his side’s pressing line, deploying a mid-block with advanced fullbacks and tighter lines between midfield and defense, neutralizing Sharjah’s attacking width.
The winning moment came in the 64th minute when Yuri Cesar completed his brace with a breathtaking solo effort. He glided past multiple defenders from the left wing before unleashing a low, powerful shot with his left foot into the far corner — a goal worthy of any final.
Heroics Between the Posts
As Sharjah pushed for an equalizer, they came agonizingly close in the 85th minute when Hamad Al Maqbali, the Shabab Al Ahli goalkeeper, pulled off a heroic one-on-one save against Ousmane Camara — a defining moment that secured his team’s historic triumph.
Numbers Tell the Story
With this victory, Shabab Al Ahli now stand alone as the most successful team in the history of the UAE President’s Cup with 11 titles, surpassing Sharjah, who remain on 10.
Even more impressively, this win completed a historic quadruple for the club this season:
- UAE Pro League (Adnoc) Champions
- UAE Super Cup Winners
- UAE-Qatar Super Cup Champions
- President’s Cup Champions
Conclusion: Glory Sealed with Identity and Grit
Shabab Al Ahli didn’t just win a trophy — they reaffirmed their status as the most complete team in the Emirates this season. Blending flair, tactical sharpness, and mental resilience, they turned challenges into triumphs. With Yuri Cesar’s brilliance, Al Maqbali’s crucial interventions, and Sousa’s masterclass in management, the “Red Knights” wrote a new chapter in their golden history — as the most decorated and most convincing club of their era.
