Jazira-Wahda, the pick of President’s Cup quarters
dubai — The President’s Cup resumes after a two-month break and the prestigious tournament is nearing its business end with the quarterfinals to be played out on Wednesday and Thursday.
And there are some sumptuous fixtures on the plate across neutral venues in Ras Al Khaimah, Bani Yas, Al Awir and Ajman. Even as the presence of a certain Diego Maradona on the touchline looms at Shabab Al Ahli Dubai’s new home in Al Awir, the pick of four games is undoubtedly the one between two Abu Dhabi heavyweights — Al Jazira and Al Wahda.
The rivals down the road in Abu Dhabi’s main city, they will take their rivalry to Bani Yas Stadium in Al Shamkha, with a semifinal berth at stake.
And it is a story of contrasts for both with Al Wahda chasing an unprecedented four titles in the season, while the President’s Cup represents Al Jazira only chance of silverware this term.
Al Wahda, who won the Arabian Gulf Super Cup, the traditional season-opener, recently sewed up the Arabian Gulf Cup title. The Clarets are also on course for the Arabian Gulf League, although leaders Al Ain stand a better chance with two fixtures left to play out.
It has been a standout performance by Al Wahda under their Romanian manager Laurentiu Reghecampf and they continue to dream on. Wednesday’s game is set to be a repeat of the Arabian Gulf Super Cup, which was also played at the Bani Yas Stadium. Al Jazira are the defending champions of the League but are set to finish outside the top five this term.
Reghecampf though is wary of the challenge posed by the Pride of Abu Dhabi. “We respect Al Jazira and they are a strong team with a good coach. Winning against them in the Super Cup doesn’t mean it will be easy. They have some really good players and their position in the League doesn’t give a true reflection of the team that they are. We must be careful and attentive and we have the desire and the determination to give it our best,” Reghecampf said at his prematch press briefing.
Meanwhile, Maradona’s Fujairah are the only First Division team among the big boys but the come into this fixture against a red-hot Al Ain, following a 2-2 draw against Masfut, which saw them drop to third in the table.
james@khaleejtimes.com