Sharjah face Shabab Al Ahli in top of table clash
Sharjah:sharjah have a chance to slow the Shabab Al Ahli’s momentum with a victory in the top of the table clash at the Adnoc Pro League on Friday.
Sharjah are trailing Shabab Al Ahli by just one point and a win will catapult them to the summit. Both the teams have put up a splendid performance so far.
Shabab Al Ahli have won nine games, lost three and drawn one for their 28 points while Sharjah have won one lesser than their rivals and lost only two matches but they have been held to a draw thrice for their 27 points. Shabab Al Ahli coach Leonardo Jardim predicted a tough match against Sharjah.
“We know Sharjah are a very strong team. They are capable of beating any team on a given day, but we are prepared for the challenge,” said Jardim, in a press conference posted on their social media plaform.
“We have a very good set of players, who can rise up to any challenge. We will play a positive game and return with all three points,” he added.
In the other match of the day, Al Ain will face Ajman at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium. Both the teams are lying in the middle of the table. Both the teams are trying hard to climb up the standings to stake a claim for an AFC Champions League berth.
“We must work hard to improve many aspects of the team’s performance despite the good result we achieved in our recent match against
Al Bataeh,” Serhiy Rebrov said.
“We are playing at home turf and it does not mean we can take them lightly. We will have to play to our strength and create chances to score goal against Ajman. I am sure the fans will support us from the stands, and we will have the upper hand in this match,” he added.
He said there is a lot of room for improvement in many aspects of the game.
“I trust that my players understand this very well. Therefore, we work together to improve all issues related to our performance. Yes, we believe in teamwork. We have good strikers, but when we score a goal, it is the team’s collective efforts and not that of the strikers’ only.”
“The same applies to our defence which we have adopted. Defending our net starts from the front line and strikers,” he apprised. Ajman coach Goran Tufegdzic said he was wary of Al Ain’s threat.
“Ater our performance of the Shabab Al Ahli match, we only had three days to prepare for the Al Ain match. And it is not enough time to prepare for a match against a strong team, But I believe in my team and I have great hope in achieving a positive result,” said the coach, which was posted on teams’ Twiter.
Ajman player Ali Al Hosani said he is hopeful of returning with a positive result.
“Playing Al Ain in their stadium and in front of their fans will certainly not be easy, and we are going to present a level that satisfies the fans of the team and return with a positive result.
In the other matches of the day, Khorfakkan will take over Bani Yas and Al Nasr will meet Al Dhafra.