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Al Ain Football Club secured their place in the President’s Cup semifinals after a commanding 3-0 victory over Dibba at Rashid Stadium. The dominant performance saw all three goals scored in the second half, with Moroccan striker Sofiane Rahimi netting twice to lead his team into the competition’s crucial stage for the 2025-2026 season.
The match showcased Al Ain’s superiority in possession and chance creation throughout the contest. According to reports, the team maintained control of the game before breaking through in the second period with a clinical display of finishing that overwhelmed their opponents.
Al Ain Advances to President’s Cup Semifinals with Second-Half Surge
Rahimi opened the scoring in the 53rd minute following a well-organized attack that he finished with a successful strike. His contribution set the tone for Al Ain’s dominance in the final stages of the quarter-final clash.
Kodjo Laba doubled the advantage in the 77th minute, capitalizing on a precise pass inside the penalty area. The goal highlighted the team’s ability to exploit defensive gaps and demonstrated their tactical discipline in breaking down Dibba’s resistance.
Rahimi returned to the scoresheet just two minutes later in the 79th minute, sealing the clean-sheet victory. His brace confirmed Al Ain’s technical superiority and experience, qualities that proved decisive in securing passage to the President’s Cup semifinals.
Quarter-Final Action Continues
Meanwhile, the President’s Cup quarter-finals continue with two additional matches scheduled. Shabab Al Ahli faces Khorfakkan at Rashid bin Saeed Stadium in Ajman at 5:15 PM, setting up another compelling contest in the competition.
Additionally, Al Wahda takes on United, the sole representative from the First Division League, at 8:00 PM at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain city. The match represents a significant opportunity for the lower-division side to cause an upset against top-tier opposition.
Tournament Momentum Builds
The quarter-final round will conclude with a high-profile encounter between Bani Yas and Al Jazira. According to the schedule, this fixture takes place at Al Nahyan Stadium in Abu Dhabi at 6:35 PM, completing the lineup of teams advancing to the President’s Cup semifinals.
In contrast to Al Ain’s straightforward progression, the remaining fixtures promise competitive drama as teams vie for their place in the final four. The technical gap displayed in Al Ain’s victory over Dibba underscores the challenge facing lower-ranked clubs in knockout competition.
However, Al Ain’s convincing performance sends a clear message to potential semifinal opponents. The team’s ability to control possession, create opportunities, and convert chances in crucial moments demonstrates their credentials as serious title contenders in the President’s Cup this season.
The victory maintains Al Ain’s strong presence in the tournament and extends their pursuit of silverware. Their confidence heading into the semifinals reflects both their recent form and the quality displayed throughout the knockout stages thus far.
The semifinals will feature Al Ain alongside three teams yet to be determined from the ongoing quarter-final matches. The draw and scheduling for the next round will be announced following the completion of all quarter-final fixtures, with authorities expected to release details in the coming days.
