Al Shabab rue missed chances with Dubai Club

Dubai: Al Shabab coach Paulo Bonamigo was left ruing the missed chances by his strikers following Wednesday's 1-1 draw with bottom club Dubai in the 13th week of the Etisalat Pro League.

Bonamigo's side are now nine points adrift of the top after leaders Al Ain consolidated their position with a solitary-goal win against Al Wahda in Wednesday's late match. Yasser Al Qah'tani struck in the 11th minute to ensure Cosmin Olaroiu's men trooped off with full points against Al Wahda and stay leaders with 30 points.

Bonamigo said: "There was no secret here as we knew what to expect from a team like Dubai. We had cautioned the players not to make any silly mistakes as that could cost us dear in the long run. We did well in the first half in following this plan, but a momentary lapse early in the second half was all it needed."

Dubai Club deserve full credit for earning a gutsy draw against their attack-minded opponents who were playing at home. Dubai was reduced to ten men in the 83rd minute after referee Abdullah Al Harthy flashed the red to Ali Mahmoud for a second bookable offence.

The visitors fought well and were rewarded when substitute Hassan Mohammad connected with a diving header in the 68th minute to cancel out Carlos Villanueva's opening pile-driver.

"The idea was to stay patient and this in turn would help us create chances, which we did. And though we created more space in the second half, somehow we just could not get the ball inside the net for a second time," Bonamigo said.

Motivating players

"We don't want to use this as an excuse for the draw, but we just need to continue focusing on motivating the players for our next match."

Dubai Club coach Ayman Al Ramadi was pleased with the point. "I think this was a fair result for both of us and I am extremely satisfied with the level shown by my team," the Egyptian said.

"This is our fourth draw and I don't think we are a team that can be happy or sit back with just holding bigger teams to draws. We have a fighting side, but the red card was totally unfair and the referee flashed it to get the crowd on his side. If the referee is wrong, then they should do something about it."