Dubai: Al Shabab coach Caio Junior believes a draw will be a good result as he takes his side to Arabian Gulf League (AGL) champions Al Ain for an Arabian Gulf Cup clash in the Garden City on Friday.
Last season the Hawks went down 3-2 at home to Al Ain in their lone cup encounter, while they suffered a 2-1 loss away and earned a 1-1 draw at home in the AGL.
This year, however, Al Shabab have signed up Brazilian World Cup striker Jo along with the speedy and hard-working trio of Henrique Luvannor, Carlos Villanueva and Azizbek Hydarov.
Like Al Ain, Junior will be without many key players — including Hydarov, Mohammad Ayed and Hassan Ebrahim — due to international duty, while Villanueva and Mohammad Marzouk are doubtful with injuries.
“This will always be the tough one and without some important players for both teams. But I believe we can win against Al Ain. Playing without some of your main players can be quite a challenge, so even if we return with one point it will be good for us,” Caio told media.
“They still have their three foreign players and some very good young players. Besides, they will have home advantage. We simply need to believe we can return with three points.”
Jo — who plays as the main striker, leaving Luvannor to make runs down the flank — was also looking forward to the challenge against the AGL champions.
“The coach believes in this team. I know we can be competitive with our young players, who all have such a fantastic attitude on the pitch. Maybe it is a difficult game, but the three points are very important for us,” the 28-year-old former Manchester City star said.
