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The exciting build-up to the biggest-ever AFC Asian Cup marked another significant milestone yesterday with the launch of the tournament’s official mascots – Mansour and Jarrah – during the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 Final Draw at the United Arab Emirates’ iconic Burj Khalifa.
The mascots were chosen for embodying the undeniable passion for football that exists in the UAE and across the Continent as well as the strong connection with the country’s culture.
His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani, Tournament Director of the Local Organising Committee, announced his pleasure at unveiling the official mascots for the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 at the final draw ceremony: “The Local Organising Committee are very excited and convinced Mansour and Jarrah will play an important role in representing the essence of Emirati culture to capture the imagination of the fans. We sincerely hope Mansour and Jarrah will leave a legacy to inspire love for football among tomorrow’s generation.
“The UAE can look forward to seeing both Mansour and Jarrah across the Emirates on their AFC Asian Cup journey until the tournament in January 2019,” said His Excellency Aref Hamad Al Awani.
Mansour, like millions of children and teenagers around the Continent, shares a lifelong dream to represent his country on Asia’s ultimate stage. He possesses an unrivalled fervour for the game represented across the five AFC zones in the competition.
Sharing aspirations to don his nation’s colours in the Continent’s most prestigious competition, he will fulfil his dream by partnering with Jarrah to cheer on both players and spectators during the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 and will play an important role in bringing to life the tournament’s slogan – “Bringing Asia Together.”
“With the expansion of the AFC Asian Cup, the AFC is committed to exciting more fans than ever before. I would like to commend the Local Organising Committee for taking the initiative in growing the tournament’s reach and appeal and ensuring it is accessible for our passionate fans in Asia and beyond,” said AFC General Secretary Dato’ Windsor John.
Jarrah, a falcon – the UAE’s national emblem – is blessed with lightning speed and pinpoint precision and has mastered football skills from the Continent’s greatest stars. Together, the inseparable pair train each day, inspired by a lifelong dream to stand proud amongst Asia’s elite.
Following their grand arrival, Mansour and Jarrah will begin to feature prominently in the promotion of the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 as preparations for the tournament enter its final stages.
