Al-Shabab, the current champion and the most decorated winner of the UAE President's Cup (11 times), faces a tough test when they take on Khorfakkan today at 5:15 PM on Rashid bin Saed Stadium in Ajman. On paper, the task for "Dubai's Knights" might seem easy, but the reality could be different, as the "most expensive cups" have continuously produced surprises, the latest being Sharjah's elimination by United from the First Division, and Al-Wasl's exit. Al-Shabab enters the match knowing that competition at this stage does not tolerate any complacency, especially since Khorfakkan has proven on multiple occasions its ability to compete with the big teams and impose its fighting style in knockout matches, making it a formidable opponent despite the gap in resources and history between the two teams. "Dubai's Knights" aim to regain their balance and hold on to the dream of retaining their title, relying on their vast experience in the competition, along with a galaxy of names capable of deciding matches in crucial moments, as the team seeks to continue its strong presence on all fronts this season. Conversely, Khorfakkan enters the match with big ambitions and without pressure, setting its sights on continuing to create surprises and reach the semi-finals, benefiting from the fighting spirit that has characterized the team this season, and its desire to write a new historical page in the club's Cup participation record. In another match, Al-Wehda, looking to return to the podium, must double their caution when they face First Division side United at 8:00 PM on Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, led by their coach, Italian legend Andrea Pirlo, to avoid joining the list of victims of the coach who pulled off the season's biggest surprise by eliminating Sharjah from the competition. "The Happy Ones" enter the match aware that cup matches do not recognize technical differences or championship history, and that any underestimation could cost the team an early exit, especially against an opponent that plays with a high spirit and excels at leveraging enthusiasm and the desire to make an impact. Al-Wehda relies on its extensive experience in the competition, alongside its international players capable of deciding matches in tough moments, to continue the journey towards reclaiming local titles that have been absent in recent seasons. Meanwhile, United enters the match with high morale and legitimate ambitions, benefiting from the confidence it gained after eliminating Sharjah, in addition to its current leadership in the First Division table and its proximity to competing for one of the two promotion spots to the ADNOC Pro League. Italian legend Andrea Pirlo has successfully built an organized team capable of challenging the big teams, and if he succeeds in leading United to the semi-finals, he will write a new chapter in the club's history and add a new page to the "most expensive cups" surprises.
