UAE Start Khaleeji 27 Strong, Hossam Hassan Addresses El Shenawy And Palestine Draw With New Zealand

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From the UAE’s perfect Khaleeji 27 start to Hossam Hassan’s comments on Mohamed El Shenawy and Palestine’s strong friendly result in China, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. The UAE beat Yemen 4-0 in their Gulf Cup opener, Hossam Hassan said El Shenawy’s absence was a technical decision, and Palestine drew 2-2 with New Zealand in Chongqing.

UAE Start Khaleeji 27 With 4-0 Win Over Yemen

What Is It About
The UAE opened their Khaleeji 27 campaign with a 4-0 win over Yemen, making a perfect start to Zlatko Dalić’s first competitive tournament with the national team. It was the UAE’s first Gulf Cup win in seven years and ended an eight-match winless run in the competition.

Why It Matters
The result was also the UAE’s biggest Gulf Cup win since 1979. Nicolás Giménez scored twice, Luan Pereira also found the net, and Yemen added an own goal, with the UAE scoring three times before half-time.

What’s Next
The win puts the UAE top of Group B on goal difference and gives Dalić an immediate statement result. Next up is a match against defending champions Bahrain.

Hossam Hassan Addresses El Shenawy Absence

What Is It About
Hossam Hassan has addressed the speculation around Mohamed El Shenawy’s absence from Egypt’s squad, saying injury was not the reason for his exclusion. Hassan said that even if El Shenawy was fit, he would not have called him up.

Why It Matters
That changes the story from a simple injury absence to a technical decision. Hassan said there was a period when El Shenawy was not playing regularly for Al Ahly, described him as “finished” at that time, and said Egypt’s national team helped him regain part of his level.

What’s Next
The comments come after speculation that El Shenawy was unhappy during Egypt’s World Cup camp because Mostafa Shobeir started against Iran. Ibrahim Hassan had denied any crisis or planned meeting, but Hossam Hassan’s remarks now add a new layer to the situation.

Palestine Draw With New Zealand In China Friendly

What Is It About
Palestine drew 2-2 with New Zealand in a senior international friendly in Chongqing, China. Asad Al-Hamlawi and Oday Dabbagh scored for Palestine in a strong result against a side playing its first match since the 2026 World Cup.

Why It Matters
New Zealand’s September squad includes 16 players from their World Cup group, although some were rotated for this match. For Palestine, the draw is a positive result as they continue their September tour in China.

What’s Next
Palestine still have more friendlies to come during the tour, with matches against Tajikistan and China next on the schedule.

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