Dubai: Al Shabab coach Caio Junior is pleased with a new-found spirit that has seen his team deliver in their own quiet way while staying in second spot in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) this season.
Al Shabab followed up with their well-fought 2-2 draw against Al Wasl last week with an entertaining 2-1 win over a gutsy Ajman in the 10th round of the AGL late on Thursday. His team’s growing confidence pleased Junior and the Brazilian stressed on his plan of staying within the top four by the mid-way stage of the competition.
“It was a fantastic display of contrasting football from both teams. Ajman played quick on the counter and we dictated with our ball possession and passing. Ultimately one of the teams had to win and I am glad to come away with all three points,” Junior told media.
Edgar Bruno da Silva marked his return to form with the opener in the 10th minute, only to see Boris Kabi equalise within three minutes. In the second half, Junior’s strategy of bringing in Eisa Mohammad paid off as the Al Shabab striker was pulled down inside the area by Iraqi defender Ahmad Ebrahim and Al Shabab skipper Carlos Villanueva tucked in the penalty to ensure full points.
The three points gave Al Shabab 19 points and temporary possession of second place behind league leaders Al Wahda. Despite the win, Junior was wary of his team’s progress towards the summit. “It is far too early to say anything. We’ve got our own little problems to sort out, and if we can do this then we can be in the running. But for the moment I am pleased with the second position as it helps our team achieve our target of being in the top-four by the mid-way stage of the league,” the Brazilian related.
Ajman coach Fetthi Jebel was disappointed with his side’s second straight loss in as many weeks. “There is a lot of pressure on the players, but it is my job to try and convince them that they need to continue working hard,” Jebel said.
“We came here to at least get one point and try to start winning again. But when you come up against a quality team like Al Shabab you need to make use of the chances that come your way,” he added.
“I have confidence in my team and my players and I sure we can overturn these recent bad results and start winning again.”
