Zenga targets title next season

Dubai: Al Nasr coach Walter Zenga has the Etisalat Pro League title in sight for next year, having finished third and second in his past two consecutive seasons at the Oud Mehta-based club.

Speaking from the sidelines of Sunday's 2-2 end of year draw at Al Shabab, which confirmed second place, the legendary former Italian goalkeeper remained critical in his praise of a team yet to end a 26-year wait for honours.

A 90th minute Jociel Ferraira Da Silva penalty ruled out Mark Bresciano's 84th minute winner after Keiza had put the home-side ahead on 25 minutes and Habib Fardan equalised on 53 minutes.

Zenga said: "On top of third and second we're now hoping for a championship in the future. We don't know how long that will take - we may need more time - but this is what everybody is now working toward.

"For the past 26 years Nasr didn't win any championships and before my one and a half years as coach here, the team was eighth. None of the coaches before me won anything, which makes second an achievement. But there's still more to do."

Zenga added: "To win a championship my team needs to make more sacrifices than any other team in the league, to work more and give more than the others.

"For instance, we gave the first half to our opponent tonight not because they were better than us, but because our personality on the field was wrong. Our opponent didn't play that well but they denied us two points. We must aim to correct these mistakes."

"Regardless, I'm pleased with this second place finish on top of third last year and I would like to thank the fans and the board for all their efforts. In general this was a real team effort and I'd like to congratulate everybody for reaching second position."