Paqueta left ruing lost opportunities

Dubai: Al Shabab coach Marcos Paqueta attributed a series of injuries and lack of squad depth for his team’s probable failure to secure a spot in next season’s AFC Champions League.

Al Shabab fought to a 1-1 draw at home against Bani Yas in their final encounter of the Arabian Gulf League on Friday.

Staring at certain defeat, Sanad Ali headed in an 86th minute equaliser to help Al Shabab rescue a point against the visitors who had gone ahead through a sweet free kick from former UAE playmaker Nawaf Mubarak midway through the second half. The dropping of

points pushed the Dubai team further down the standings in third place with 44 points with the likelihood they may be slip further — should Al Jazira win against Sharjah in final round action.

Al Shabab was one of the few clubs to prosper while hanging on to second position in the league until the final quarter of the competition where they lost four and drew two matches to gain just two points from a possible 18.

Last season, Al Shabab reached the President’s Cup final and was also the only UAE team to advance to the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League. “It is not really appropriate to make a comparison, but we can admit that we were not successful this season,” he admitted.

Explaining the late-season slide, Paqueta was unrelenting: “What ultimately made the difference was the critical moments that the team missed crucial players. We had a strong start but not enough fire power for the end,” the Brazilian rued.

Paqueta further justified the injuries due to the brand of football Al Shabab plays. “We like to mount quick counter-attacks and in such speedy situations a player is definitely going to get injured. What more can I say? I am thankful to the players for fighting till the end and winning at least a point,” he said.

Bani Yas coach Adnan Hamad, who took over during the latter part of the season, was pleased with the way his players responded. “They took their chances without the professionals and this shows which direction we need to take next season,” the former Iraqi coach said.