United FC Kicks Off 2024/2025 Season with a Hard-Fought Battle Against Al Arabi FC
The long-awaited return of United FC to the pitch finally happened on September 15th, as the team faced Al Arabi FC in their first game of the 2024/2025 season at Al Arabi Club/MS No. 1. After an intense preseason, the team introduced several new faces, as head coach and staff aim to build a squad that can compete at the highest level.
The starting lineup included several debutants, reflecting the club’s ambitious moves in the transfer window. Among the notable newcomers was Ali Saeed, the team’s new goalkeeper, stepping into the spotlight as the last line of defense. He was joined by experienced defenders Fares Juma and Othman Jamal, midfielders Abdulrahman Adel and Manea Alruwais, and attacking reinforcements Ali Sanqoor and Akwasi Wiredu. The fresh faces showed promise, blending well with the squad’s core to create a cohesive unit, despite the challenges of their first competitive outing.
The match itself was a physical battle, with both teams vying for control in what turned out to be a hard-fought encounter. Al Arabi FC, playing on home turf, made it difficult for United FC to settle into their rhythm. Despite the pressure, United FC held their ground well, with the defense looking solid, particularly during the first half.
In the second half, United FC showed more attacking intent, as the team grew into the game and began creating more chances. The new players, alongside established stars, worked hard to break through Al Arabi’s defensive lines. However, converting these opportunities into goals proved elusive. Akwasi Wiredu, looking sharp in his debut, made a few promising runs, while Abdulrahman Adel orchestrated play from the midfield, distributing the ball with confidence.
Chelo Torres, last season’s top scorer, also worked tirelessly to create scoring opportunities. However, Al Arabi’s defense remained resolute, stifling United’s attacking play as the game progressed.
With the match seemingly heading toward a draw, the atmosphere shifted dramatically in stoppage time. Despite United FC’s tenacity and refusal to give up, Al Arabi FC managed to find the breakthrough in the 95th minute. A late goal from a set-piece situation left United FC stunned, and they were unable to find an equalizer in the limited time remaining. The final whistle blew, confirming a 1-0 defeat for United FC in their opening match of the season.
While the result was disappointing, the team’s performance in such a tough fixture highlighted their fighting spirit. The loss, though heartbreaking, underscored the resilience and potential of the newly built squad, who never gave up until the final whistle.
The team now turns its attention to the upcoming President’s Cup clash against Gulf United FC on September 21st. This will be the first competitive home match of the season for United FC, and the club will be eager to bounce back and showcase their quality on home soil. The match, which will be held at ISD Stadium Pitch at 17:30, offers a fresh opportunity for United FC to demonstrate their strength and begin a successful cup run.
We invite all our loyal fans to come and support the team as we aim to make our mark in the President’s Cup and rebound from the tough season opener. Your presence and energy will be vital as we push forward together into what promises to be a challenging yet exciting season.
We are United, We are Family, and We fight until the very end!
