Baroot sings Alfaro’s praises

Dubai: Al Wasl coach Eid Baroot paid tribute to hat-trick hero Emiliano Alfaro after his treble secured a 4-2 league win at home to Ajman in Baroot’s first game in charge on Friday.

The Uruguayan striker, who is on loan from Lazio, bagged an early brace before a penalty in the last 10 minutes, but not before Ajman had pulled two goals back via set pieces either side of the interval. New Brazilian signing Jussie Vieira put the win beyond doubt with six minutes to play.

The victory puts Al Wasl back on track after the sacking of French coach Guy Lacombe last week following a run of seven losses in the last eight league and cup fixtures.

Of Alfaro, who has now scored 19 goals in 24 league and cup appearances, and whose treble was only his second hat-trick since his debut against Al Wahda in September, Baroot said: “I think Alfaro is one of the best players in the league. He creates chances and scores goals.

“He’s ambitious and enthusiastic. I like his character. At half-time I saw tears in his eyes after we conceded in the last minute of the first half.

“I’m very happy with his character, emotion and personality. This kind of person really adds something to the team and affects his teammates. I think his contribution is vital.”

Alfaro headed home Vieira’s free-kick to put Al Wasl in front a quarter of an hour in. Then he chipped Achille Emana’s diagonal pass over the keeper from a tight angle before the half-hour.

Ajman’s Founeke Sy snatched one back before the interval, drilling a 30-yard free-kick straight at keeper Ahmad Mahmoud, who fumbled the ball into his own net.

Mahmoud was then at fault again 20 minutes from time as Driss Fettouhi fired another free-kick from distance past the flailing keeper for the equaliser.

But Al Wasl spared these blushes inside the last ten minutes, first with Alfaro completing his hat-trick from the spot after being fouled by Sameer Ebrahim, then with Vieira lobbing the keeper with a touch on to Mahmoud’s long-ball.

Ajman coach Abdul Qader said: “Al Wasl started well but I think Ajman were the better side. We levelled and tried to find a winner but the penalty finished us.

“I can’t comment on the effect Eid Baroot has had on the team in just three or four days. But they started the match fighting and have done well. Eid is well qualified and has good experience with Al Nasr and the UAE under-19s, so let’s wait and see what will happen in the future.”

Baroot said: “Mentality makes a difference. They have to accept the pressure. They are ninth in the league and, if they don’t have a strong mentality, they will collapse and go down. Having said that, the morale today was excellent, and I’m sure if we can maintain that in the coming weeks we’ll do well.”