Task cut out for Jazira with AGL title race heating up
Al Jazira manager Marcel Keizer is backing his players to overcome a tough challenge against Al Ain heading into the penultimate round of Arabian Gulf League.
Al Jazira and Baniyas enter the closing stretch with a point separating them in the title race.
A win for Jazira over Al Ain at Mohamed bin Zayed stadium and a draw or defeat for Baniyas at Al Dhafra can give the ‘Pride of Abu Dhabi’ a third league title on Friday.
Jazira manager Keizer described their meeting with Al Ain as “difficult but not impossible”. “Al Ain remain strong and at large, regardless of their standing in the league,” the Dutchman said.
“Our meeting in the first round ended in a 2-2 draw. However, we know they are a good side and we are facing a difficult task.”
Any other result would mean the title race will be decided on the final round of the league for which a date is yet to be announced.
In case Jazira and Baniyas finish the league on equal points, the former will be declared winner on head-tohead games.
Al Ain manager Pedro Emanuel believes the pressure is on Jazira with a potential title to play for.
“Playing Jazira is always a big game for us but it’s pressure game for them as they are battling for the league title,” the Portuguese said.
Baniyas manager Daniel Isaila may have a seemingly easier task when they travel to Al Dhafra. “We don’t underrate any team. For us, we need to win this game to keep our title hopes alive,” the Romanian said.