NMI improves game despite 0-13 loss against UAE

The NMI U20 Men’s National Soccer Team saw some technical improvements in their game despite a 0-13 loss to the United Arab Emirates in the Asian Football Confederation U20 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers last Tuesday in Salmiya, Kuwait.

The Middle Easterners took their momentum into full stride against the islanders after their close 1-goal win against Lebanon.

After back-and-forth action and no one with the advantage yet, NMI players kept pace with UAE defensively. Even against another high-leverage team, NMI worked the pitch thoroughly until UAE’s Yousif Ahmed cracked the goose eggs on the scoreboard with a goal in the 12th minute.

From there, UAE kept the goals coming as Hazim Abbaas put them up, 2-0. NMI managed to keep them down to just a two goal lead until Saif Alkaabi found an opening at the half-minute mark to make it 3-0.

UAE made it rain goals from then on in the second half as Eid Mohamed Alhammadi struck the fourth goal in the 36th. Abbaas then sent another one soaring to make it 5-0 just a couple minutes later.

The NMI keeper couldn’t even catch a breather when Alhammadi extended their lead, 6-0, in the 40th. Ghaith Bader then put up their seventh goal in first half added time after NMI’s tries for a push in UAE territory that came up empty.

UAE continued to show no mercy to an NMI squad that still played their hearts out on the pitch as the trio of Obaid Salem, Ahmed Alshammari, and Saif Nasser scored three for an even more commanding 10-0 game.

Nasser followed up in the 90th minute to rack up two goals for himself, while Salem scored his second in the 89th and completed his hat-trick just three minutes later.

In the end, UAE won, 13-0, as NMI were handed their second loss in as many games.

In their debut last Sunday, the NMI lost to host Kuwait, 0-6.

Today, the NMI is facing off against South Korea, then concludes their campaign against Lebanon on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Despite their tough matchup, team manager Mikky Vargas said that the team saw some improvements. “The technical improvements we have seen, especially against such a formidable opponent, are truly something to be proud of. Defensively, we saw them work as a unit, defending with numerical advantage when needed and fighting to win those high ball clearances. Despite the pressure, there were moments where the boys managed to press the opponents and force turnovers. They have grown from simply reacting to actively trying to win the ball and transitioning immediately into attack, which is a big step forward.”

On offense and attacking, she said they saw more cohesion. “The boys were able to build up their plays, make promising advances into the opponent’s half, and even had a near-goal opportunity that kept everyone on the edge of their seats,” she said. “The team has grown from just clearing the ball to working hard to connect passes and stay in control. Their ability to keep shape under pressure and maintain composure, even when pressed by a faster, more skilled team, is a clear sign of their progress. They are no longer just clearing the ball—they are making thoughtful plays, which is a huge improvement from where we started.”

With their match against South Korea, she said, “The boys are well aware of the challenge ahead, but with each game, they are showing more resilience and determination. We have seen them improve in all areas of play, and they are ready to leave it all on the field once again.”

“As always, thank you all for your incredible support. The boys feel it with every message and word of encouragement, and it’s driving them to push past their limits,” she ended.