Dubai: At least four former champions will be looking expectantly to getting their campaign back on trail as the 12 Division One teams prepare for the second round of the Arabian Gulf Cup this weekend.
Al Jazira, Al Ain, Al Wahda and three-time winners Shabab Al Ahli Dubai all had to split points in their opening round matches held as the season-openers in the first half of September. But now with coaches free to opt for their regulars from national squad duty, all four teams will be looking for wins over the weekend.
The two groups are interestingly poised with Al Nasr the only team with a win and three points at the top of Group A, while Emirates Club are surprising leaders of Group B along with Al Wasl. The two teams will meet in Friday’s early match in Ras Al Khaimah with the winner climbing to the top of Group B.
Winners in the inaugural year in 2008-’09, Al Ain were held to a 2-2 draw by Hatta. But the team from the garden city will be looking at full points as they travel to the capital for a mouth-watering clash against 2009-’10 champions Al Jazira in Friday’s late night encounter.
Al Wahda, who were crowned champions at the end of the 2015-’16 season were held to a 1-1 draw at home by newly formed Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. The team from the capital will have to travel to Dibba in Fujairah with the hope that their strikers find the back of the net.
Clear favourites Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, who are at the top of the all-time standings with three titles in this competition so far, will round off the second round fixtures while hosting a fast-improving Sharjah under Portuguese coach Jose Vitor Peseiro in Saturday’s final match at 8pm.
The competitions committee at the UAE Football Association (UAE FA) has brought in an extra element of excitement to the Arabian Gulf Cup this season with the two groups throwing forward four teams each advancing to the quarter-finals as against direct semi-finals in the past.
FIXTURES
Friday
5.15 Hatta v Al Nasr
5.15 Emirates v Al Wasl
8.00 Al Jazira v Al Ain.
Saturday
5.15 Ajman v Al Dhafra
5.15 Dibba v Al Wahda
8.00 Shabab Al Ahli Dubai v Sharjah
