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Al Ahli face tough Super Sunday

Al Ahli coach Ivan Hasek has admitted he will be forced to use players returning from national duty for this Sunday's Super Cup clash against Al Shabab.

  • By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:30 September 12, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Arshad Ali/Gulf News
  • Al Ahli team players preparing for the new season that kicks off on September 14 with their Super Cup match against Al Shabab at home.

Dubai: Al Ahli coach Ivan Hasek has admitted he will be forced to use players returning from national duty for this Sunday's Super Cup clash against Al Shabab.

Hasek has had to go through the past two months without the services of four key players, who have been away with the national squad for the Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Another four have been with the Olympic team.

"Given these circumstances, it is tough to prepare the side to play in such an important match," Hasek admitted.

Faisal Khalil, Obaid Al Tawillah, Adil Abdul Aziz and Ahmad Khalil have been with UAE national coach Bruno Metsu for the past couple of months preparing for the qualifiers. Ahmad Khalil, Saeed Surour, Mohammad Fawzi and Mohammad Obaid have been with the the Olympic squad.

However, Hasek admitted that he has adequate cover for all these players.

"We have a well-balanced team at the moment. But it would make all the difference to have our main players back into the side," he said.

The good news for the Czech coach is most of his players are due to rejoin the team in time for Sunday's clash.

"I know it may be to our disadvantage as the players have not trained with us but in all likelihood the national team players will play this Sunday," Hasek stated.

Yet another blow for Hasek is the departure of the talented Brazilian midfielder Marcos Assuncao to Al Shabab.

Assuncao, a former star with the Brazilian squad and Spanish side Real Betis, was dumped by the Al Ahli management just before the team departed for their European training camp. Al Shabab were greatful recipients.

'Great player'

"Marcos is a great player. He has that something extra that he brings to any team," Hasek admitted.

"I would readily admit that Al Shabab will start as the favourites in Sunday's Super Cup," the Al Ahli coach said.

The defending league champions have only lost their goalkeeper to national duty.

"It is a big advantage to be able to work together as a team, something that we've not been able to do. So Al Shabab do hold the advantage over us," Hasek stated.

But given the luxury of starting the season with a trophy, Hasek cannot see why his team won't rise up to the challenge. "We have enough bench strength and the players are motivated to take the trophy," Hasek said.

Meanwhile, Al Ahli's mercurial midfielder Saleem Khamis is keen for jis team to extend his team's winning run against neighbours and arch-rivals Al Shabab when the two meet on Sunday. "We have history in our favour and that is what we are banking on as we play Al Shabab," Khamis told Gulf News.

"For instance, we have won the last two times that we've played. So we will be looking for a third straight win against Al Shabab on Sunday," Khamis stated.

It was honours even between the two neighbours in the league last season .

Al Shabab beat Al Ahli 2-1 in at home, but Al Ahli got their revenge with a 4-0 drubbing in week 14. Al Ahli also brushed aside Al Shabab 3-1 in the semifinals of the President's Cup.

"We won't be doing anything out of the way. We will be going all out for a win this Sunday," Khamis stated.

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