Sport | Football
Sharjah face tough task against Al Wasl
Tonight could be the last chance for Sharjah's Dutch coach Van Der Lim to save his job when his team face defending champions Al Wasl in the semifinals of the President's Cup.
- By Yasir Abbasher, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:30 February 29, 2008
Abu Dhabi: Tonight could be the last chance for Sharjah's Dutch coach Van Der Lim to save his job when his team face defending champions Al Wasl in the semifinals of the President's Cup.
Later on the same night, Al Shabab have a golden opportunity to win the double if they beat neighbours and traditional rivals Al Ahli in the second match.
Sharjah's board of directors have reconfirmed their faith in the Dutchman after his team's 4-1 league defeat against Al Jazira last week which dented their hopes of competing for the title.
But Sharjah fans will never forgive the coach if the team miss the chance of reaching the finals of the competition which they have won a record eight times.
Sharjah are known as the King's of the Cup. The good news in their squad is fit and the full recovery of their Brazilian striker Anderson and custodian Mahmoud Al Mass means both will take part tonight.
They have to beat Al Wasl, the winners of the double last season. It is not an impossible task as they defeated the same team 2-1 in the league two weeks ago but that was at home and tonight the match will be at Rashid Stadium in Al Ahli club in Dubai.
Al Wasl are going through a bad phase. They are placed eighth in the league standings, 11 points away from the leaders. The Cup is their only chance to win a title this season.
Al Wasl's Brazilian trio, Oliveira, Diaz and Rogerinho can win matches for their team with a flash of brilliance which adds to Sharjah's worries as their vulnerable defence has conceded more goals than they have scored.
Al Wasl face Sharjah at 5:30pm while Al Shabab play Al Ahli at 8:30 pm at Al Maktoum Stadium in Al Nasr Club.
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