Sport | Football

Silverware hopes fade for Al Wasl

Al Wasl hopes of finishing the season with some silverware were shot down in a devastating first 15 minutes during Monday's President's Cup Final.

  • By Sayed Ali, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:17 April 16, 2008
  • Gulf News

Dubai: Al Wasl hopes of finishing the season with some silverware were shot down in a devastating first 15 minutes during Monday's President's Cup Final.

Al Wasl conceded two goals against Al Ahli, consigning them to their seventh defeat in nine final appearances.

The season now looks over for Al Wasl with the league out of reach and trailing Saipa of Iran four points in Group B of the Asian Champions League.

High concentration

Manager Esmail Rashid said: "Al Ahli entered the match with high concentration, which helped them to press and score two goals. It ended the match.

"We tried to return in the second half and created a lot of scoring chances, but were lost due to our hurried approach, bad luck and lose finishing touch in front of the goal."

The match was a nightmare for Al Wasl's new defender Yasir Salim, who transferred from second division club Al Orouba, of Fujairah, at the start of the season. Yasir was at fault for both Al Ahli goals, letting Ali Abbas inside the box which resulted in the first from the spot.

He was then robbed by Cleberson Cesar for the second.

Al Wasl coach Ze Mario was at fault fielding the youngster when he had the experienced Khalaf Esmail on the bench, who was significant for Al Wasl during their league and cup double last season.

Striker Mohammad Ennazy and attacking midfielder Rogerio Silva were also kept on the bench until the second half.

Both were lively when they arrived and were unlucky not to get their names on the score sheet.

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