Dubai: Dubai’s Al Nasr have set their eyes on UAE President’s Cup glory after knocking out Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Al Nasr won the GCC Champions League last year to secure their first trophy under coach Ivan Jovanovic. But they were dethroned in that competition by cross-city rivals Al Shabab after their two-legged semi-final in the regional competition last week.
That loss leaves the President’s Cup as their only remaining route to silverware this season and they showed their determination to go all the way with a solitary-goal win over Al Ain. The all-important goal came from Senegalese striker Ebrahima Toure, just a minute before the full-time whistle.
Saturday’s win was sweet revenge for Al Nasr following their loss to the same opponents at the same stage last season. And, despite their inability to successfully defend their Gulf crown, coach Jovanovic things Al Nasr have been enjoying good moments under his tutelage.
“In these two years, we have reached the final and semi-final of the League Cup, the semi-final and final of the Gulf Cup and now the semi-final of the President’s Cup. I think it’s very good for the players and their confidence,” Jovanovic told media.
“The pressure on the team also increases with every success, but this pressure makes us stronger to go all the way in this competition.”
Jovanovic signed a fresh two-year contract with Al Nasr just before last week’s GCC Champions League semi-final second leg, making him dream of even more success.
“Of course I am happy that the club trusts in the work we are doing and expects us to reach even higher in the coming two years,” Jovanovic said.
Al Ain coach Zlatko Dalic, meanwhile, said his players were tired for Saturday’s match after their exertions in drawing 0-0 with Al Ahli in their AFC Champions League round of 16 first leg clash in midweek. They host the return match against the Red Knights on Wednesday.
“I am not trying to find excuses for my players, but my team was tired. Anyway, we lost and we cannot consider this as a tragedy, but instead put this result behind us and start working for the next match. We need to focus on the Asian Champions League now,” he said.
“It [his team’s schedule] is not normal. There are too many matches and somebody has to take care about it. It’s not natural for my players.
“[Asamoah] Gyan was also tired. I spoke to him and he said he was not ready to play the full game. I must take care of him and I must respect him,” Dalic explained.
“Now we must pass this night and shift our focus to the Asian Champions League.”
Al Nasr will now meet Al Shabab in the semi-finals on May 30 after the club from Al Mamzar secured a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win against Bani Yas after being tied 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes and after extra time.
Salem Esmail saved the fourth spot-kick from Emad Khalili to see Al Shabab through.
Meanwhile, newly-promoted Dubai Club fought back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 against a star-studded Al Ahli side — only for the Red Knights to level to force extra time. Habib Al Fardan then put Al Ahli back in front in the first period of extra time and Everton Ribeiro converted from the spot to earn a 5-3 victory and a semi-final against the winner of Sunday night’s last quarter-final between Ajman and Al Dhafra.
