The UAE played out a goalless meeting with Levante to remain undefeated during their Spanish training camp.
Mahdi Ali’s 25-man squad are currently nearing the end of a month-long spell together as they prepare for September’s daunting commencement of the third-and-final round of World Cup 2018 qualifying. Following a 1-1 draw with Segunda Divison B-outfit FC Cartegena and 1-0 triumph versus La Liga’s Las Palmas, their third friendly came on Thursday against opponents recently relegated to the second flight.
Under blazing 35°C heat in Murcia, stalemate followed. The 2015 AFC Asian Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil went closest to breaking the deadlock, rattling the crossbar during the first half.
The Whites next play on Tuesday against Segunda Division-side AD Alcorcon, before heading home the next day. Minus the nine-strong contingent from 2016 AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Al Ain and Al Nasr, they will reconvene on August 19 before heading out to China.
The competitive action for Ali’s men sees them travel to powerhouses Japan on September 1 and host Asian Cup holders Australia on September 6, as they bid to reach the globe’s premier footballing event for just the second time.
Elsewhere on Thursday, Arabian Gulf League fresh faces Hatta gained an impressive 1-0 pre-season win against Qatar’s Al Arabi.
The Tornado are in Germany as they prepare for a first top-flight campaign during the professional era. They got the perfect start against ex-Al Ahli and Al Nasr playmaker Luis Jimenez’s side, forward Maher Jassim – who represents one of 13 summer signings after coming in from Al Shaab – scoring the only goal before the break.
