Dubai Diego Maradona is hoping victory in next week’s GCC Champions League final will act as a catalyst for Al Wasl following a disappointing first season in charge.
Despite a 2-1 loss away to Al Khor in Qatar on Wednesday, Al Wasl progressed to the final after a 3-0 first-leg lead from the week before, ensuring a 4-2 aggregate win overall.
A goal from Reda Qanbar in the fourth minute and another from Mohammad Al Alawi on 85 minutes had Al Wasl worried before Mariano Donda reduced the margin on 90 minutes.
Maradona’s team will now play Bahrain’s Al Muharraq in a two-leg final in Muharraq on June 4 and Dubai on June 10.
Muharraq, Bahrain’s most decorated side, beat Kuwait’s Al Arabi 3-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final, reversing a 2-1 away loss with a 2-0 home victory on Tuesday.
Qualification to the final offers salvation to Al Wasl after they recorded their worst league finish in five years under Maradona, coming up eighth. They also crashed out in the semis and quarters of the Etisalat and Presidents Cup respectively.
Maradona said: “Al Khor were slightly more in control, which is normal in an away tie. They managed to score early and maintain their lead.
“At half time we worked to correct our mistakes and regain control but we couldn’t take full advantage. Al Khor scored another but we stayed calm and netted late to take a comfortable aggregate.
“I’m very happy to be with Al Wasl and I remain dedicated and committed to this club. My main aim is to improve the team in order to be more competitive, fighting in all championships from next season.
“I really hope this GCC Champions League final can be my first championship in charge. I haven’t had time to analyse Muharraq or study their game in the same way as I did with Al Khor. For the next few hours we will enjoy this, before the hard work of preparing for the final begins.”
