Ones to Watch: Ala Al Sasi (Yemen)

27th December 2018

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Kuala Lumpur: Veteran playmaker Ala Al Sasi propelled Yemen to the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in their history and the talismanic captain will be looking to lead by example in UAE 2019. 



Against all odds, and with a difficult security situation at home, Yemen made it to the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 relying largely on a crop of Qatar-based players. The most talented and experienced among them is Al Sailiya midfielder Al Sasi, who has over a decade of international experience behind him.

Nationality: Yemen

Date of birth: 02/07/1987

Position: Midfielder

Current club: Al Sailiya (Qatar)

Previous clubs: Al Ahli Sana’a, Al Hilal (Yemen), Al Minaa (Iraq)



International Background

Al Sasi made his debut for Yemen in 2006 in a friendly against Djibouti. The midfielder marked his debut with a goal in a 4-1 victory.

He quickly established himself in the side, becoming a key player by the time the 2007 Gulf Cup rolled around. Yemen finished bottom of their group, but Al Sasi netted one of the three goals they scored in that tournament, in a 3-1 defeat to eventual champions the UAE.

Al Sasi’s winning goal against Tajikistan on the opening matchday of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Qualifiers proved to be priceless as Yemen finished three points ahead of the central-Asian nation to qualify to the Finals for the first time in their history.

Style of play

Al Sasi is a skillful playmaker who is capable of finding pockets of space all over the pitch thanks to his intelligent movement. The 31-year-old is the focal point of Yemen’s attacking play and the main link between midfield and attack.

Whether he is making runs into the box or testing goalkeepers from distance, Al Sasi is the most dangerous weapon in attack for Yemen and their likeliest source of goals.

What to look for

In what will be Yemen’s (South Yemen qualified in 1976) first ever appearance at the AFC Asian Cup Finals, expect them to show quick passing play in midfield with Al Sasi at the heart of it. Yemen may not be solid at the back, but they are capable of showing their talent even against superior opposition.

Where and when to watch him

Yemen v IR Iran

Venue: Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi

Kick-off: January 7, 20:00 UTC+4

Yemen v Iraq

Venue: Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah

Kick-off: January 12, 17:30 UTC+4

Palestine vs Jordan

Venue: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain

Kick-off: January 16, 20:00 UTC+4


Source: the-afc.com

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