Al Shaab, Al Dhafrah aim to press home advantage

Dubai: Al Shaab and Al Dhafrah have the advantage as they take on Sharjah and Emirates Club respectively in the second round of the play-offs for promotion to the Etisalat Pro League on Sunday.

Both Al Shaab and Al Dhafrah will be hoping for second successive wins following their opening victories.

Lying in the lower division for the past couple of seasons, Al Shaab started the four-team play-offs with a 2-1 win over Emirates Club, while Al Dhafrah marked their intent to return to the top tier with a 1-0 victory over Sharjah.

All four clubs have consolidated their positions at the start of the season, showing their keenness to return to top-level football following the UAE Football Association’s decision to expand the Pro League to 14 teams from the previous 12.

Al Dhafrah have roped in 17 new signings, while Sharjah have got nine new faces, including versatile former Al Ahli and Al Nasr playmaker Saleem Khamis.

Al Shaab seem to have made the most noticeable surge, bringing in players with Pro League experience, including ex-Dubai Club striker Michel N’Dri and Al Nasr’s Careca.

In Sunday’s action, which kicks off at 7.15pm, Sharjah will take on traditional rivals and neighbours Al Shaab at Al Ahli Club, while Emirates and Al Dhafrah will cross swords at Al Wasl.