Al Sadd vs Shabab Al Ahli Dubai on 24 January
On January 24, 2026, the Qatar-UAE Super Cup will witness a gripping encounter between Al Sadd and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. With both teams boasting rich histories and strong squads, this match promises to be an intense battle for the prestigious trophy. Al Sadd, the perennial powerhouse of Qatari football, will be looking to assert their dominance in front of their home crowd. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, meanwhile, aims to claim their first major title in years, riding on their recent resurgence. The stakes couldn't be higher—this is a showdown between two clubs with lofty ambitions in the Arabian football scene.
Al Sadd: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Al Sadd enters this match in strong form, having gone unbeaten in their last five games across domestic and international competitions. Their tactical setup revolves around a fluid 4-3-3 formation, with a heavy emphasis on possession-based football and quick transitions. Under the leadership of their seasoned coach, Al Sadd has mastered the art of pressing high and maintaining constant attacking pressure. The team averages 62% possession and has recorded impressive numbers in terms of passing accuracy (85%) and final third entries.
Key players for Al Sadd include the creative midfielder Akram Afif, who serves as the engine behind their attacking play. His vision and passing range make him a constant threat in the final third. Up front, Baghdad Bounedjah is in scintillating form, with 7 goals in his last 5 appearances, providing the cutting edge the team needs. However, they will be without their influential defensive leader, Tarek Salman, who is suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards. His absence could leave a void in Al Sadd's backline, potentially exposing them to counter-attacks.
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai: Tactical Approach and Current Form
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai has shown significant improvement in recent weeks, winning 4 of their last 5 games. They typically deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on a solid defensive structure and quick, direct attacking play. Their style of football focuses on swift counter-attacks and exploiting the space left by opponents. They excel in aerial duels and set-piece situations, making them a dangerous proposition in wide areas and from corners.
Key players for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai include their talisman, João Felipe, whose dribbling and creativity have been pivotal in unlocking opposition defenses. Brazilian forward, Leonardo, has been in red-hot form, scoring 5 goals in his last 5 matches. However, the team will miss the services of their captain, Majed Hassan, who is sidelined with an injury. His leadership and presence in midfield will be sorely missed, potentially affecting their control of the game in central areas.
Head-to-Head: History and Psychology
In their last 5 encounters, Al Sadd has had the upper hand, winning 3 and drawing 2. Their most recent clash in the 2025 Qatar Cup saw Al Sadd emerge victorious with a 3-1 scoreline, but it was a fiercely contested match. Shabab Al Ahli Dubai has managed to frustrate Al Sadd on occasion, especially in the 2024 UAE Super Cup, where they managed a hard-fought 1-1 draw. Historically, Al Sadd tends to dominate possession, but Shabab Al Ahli Dubai has proven adept at hitting on the counter, making them a dangerous opponent.
The psychological edge is undoubtedly with Al Sadd, who have the comfort of playing on home soil, but Shabab Al Ahli Dubai will be highly motivated to prove they can challenge the best in the region. With both teams well-matched in terms of attacking quality, it could come down to which side handles the pressure better on the big stage.
Key Battles and Critical Zones
One of the most intriguing duels will be between Al Sadd's left-back, Homam Tariq, and Shabab Al Ahli's winger, João Felipe. Tariq's ability to handle Felipe's pace and trickery on the ball will be key in determining whether Al Sadd can effectively neutralize one of Shabab Al Ahli's main attacking outlets. On the other side, the battle between Al Sadd’s Bounedjah and Shabab Al Ahli’s central defender, Ali Khamis, will be critical. Khamis will need to deal with Bounedjah's aerial prowess and quick runs into the box, making this a pivotal contest for both teams.
The central midfield battle will also be a defining factor. With Al Sadd missing Salman, Shabab Al Ahli’s Ahmed Khalil and Khaled Al-Muwallad must take control of the game’s tempo, ensuring their side can dominate possession and limit Al Sadd’s attacking opportunities. The area between the two teams’ midfielders will be crucial in determining which team can control the pace of the match.
Match Scenario and Prediction
Given both teams' tactical setups, the match will likely see Al Sadd dominate possession, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai will focus on quick counter-attacks and exploiting set-piece opportunities. Al Sadd's attacking depth, combined with their home advantage, should give them the edge, but Shabab Al Ahli’s ability to transition quickly could keep them in the contest.
With Bounedjah in top form, Al Sadd will likely create more chances, but Shabab Al Ahli’s defensive solidity, especially in set-pieces and aerial duels, could prevent them from running riot. Expect a close encounter, with Al Sadd emerging victorious, likely by a 2-1 scoreline, but Shabab Al Ahli Dubai will make them work for it.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Qatar-UAE Super Cup will be a battle of tactical minds, with Al Sadd’s possession football clashing with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai’s counter-attacking threats. Injuries and suspensions will play a significant role, but the key question remains: Can Al Sadd cope with Shabab Al Ahli's aerial prowess and counter-attacks, or will their dominance on the ball prove decisive?
