Al Ain, Al Wahda set for Super Cup in Egypt
dubai — Al Ain winger Hussein El Shahat is confident that his side is fully prepared to face rivals Al Wahda in the Arabian Gulf Super Cup in Cairo, insisting that he and his teammates are focused on meeting expectations ahead of the new season.
El Shahat believes expectations on the Boss will be ever higher as the team looks to build up on last season’s Arabian Gulf League and President’s Cup double, according to a press release.
“We start on Saturday against Al Wahda, and I pray to God that we can come away from Cairo with the trophy,” said the Egyptian international, adding, “Personally, I respect Al Wahda’s ambition and I realise they are one of the biggest teams in the country, and I also respect their huge fan base, but we are determined to win the Super Cup and start this exceptional season with an achievement that drives us forward to continue achieving our objectives.”
Discussing his return home for the Super Cup, El Shahat expressed his delight to be playing in front of Egyptian fans. “I said it before, I have never felt away from home in the UAE. I am delighted with the decision to have the Super Cup played in my country; it is further proof that the relationship between the UAE and Egypt is strong. Every Emirati feels Egypt is their second home and we Egyptians feel at home in the UAE too.
“I expect massive support from the fans in Egypt, not just for me as an Egyptian player, but also for Al Ain. Our fans are always ready and behind us, inside and outside the country.”
Meanwhile, Al Wahda striker Sebastian Tagliabue too is relishing the challenge of facing rivals Al Ain. The Argentine was in a defiant mood as he pointed to the Clarets’ record of winning each of their last four cup finals across all competitions.
“The Super Cup is a new challenge for us,” said Tagliabue, adding, “We know it will be a different and difficult type of challenge for both teams, but we will do our best.”
The Argentine forward said he was looking forward to the prospect of beating Al Ain to the title, calling on fans to turn up in numbers to support Al Wahda,
“I hope we can win the game in the 90 minutes and bring the title home for our fans. It will be an exciting game and I hope as many Al Wahda faithfuls are present to support us. We are always used to having the fans behind us everywhere.”