Al Wahda look to consolidate top spot; Sharjah eye win

Mohammad Abdullah, Staff Reporter

Leaders Al Wahda will look to keep their winning momentum going with a victory over Bani Yas in the second week of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) on Wednesday.

After the thrashing of new-promoted Al Orooba 4-0 in the opening round match of the new season, Al Wahda are sitting at the top of the table due to goal difference.

Al Wahda will take on Bani Yas in the second round match on Thursday in a 9:30 kick-off at Al Nahyan Stadium.

Bani Yas, who were stunned by Al Wasl 1-0, will look to bounce back with win in the city derby. Bani Yas, who had finished the last season on the second spot, got their campaign under way with a stuttering start.

However, Bani Yas coach Daniel Isila rued the poor referring in their loss against Al Wasl in a pre–match press conference, which was also attended by captain Fawaz Awana.

Isila said he is wary of Al Wahda and also predicted a tough match against a very strong opponents.

“Al Wahda rae coming into game on the back of a morale-boosting huge victory against Al Orooba while we lost our first match. But naturally, there will be a difference in the morale of the players of both the teams,” said Isila.

“We are well prepared for every challenge and looking forward to bring our faltering campaign back to the winning ways,” he added.

The coach also complained about the poor referring in their opening match of the season.

“I usually don’t cry over the spilled milk by talking about the referring mistakes after a loss but we did not deserve to lose in the last match.

“It was later cleared by the VAR that we deserved a penalty kick, which was denied. This is not the first time it has happened with but last season also we had to suffer because of poor referring, which affected out results across different tourneys,” he added.

“I would not take all the credit away from Al Wasl, they were better in the last match. But if the same situation had happened to Al Wasl five times they would get five penalty kick,” he stressed.

Commenting on the former Bani Yas player, who will be seen in action in the Al Wahda colours, Isila said: “It is football and it is a commonplace in the game. Today we are going to face him as our opponent. He is a great player and can be a great addition to any team.”

“Joao Victor will remain absent due to injury, while team captain Fawaz Awana will return to action after being suspended in the previous match due to the accumulation of yellow cards.

Awana lamented the loss in the first round as he said: “We must overcome the disappointment of the first round defeat. It was little more painful as the game was heading for a draw and the lone goal of the match was scored in the dying moments.

"The match against Al Wahda match will be a difficult one as it is derby and every derby brings an added pressure with it,” he added.

“We have prepared well for the match. We have left the baggage of the last game and focusing on the next game, which is more important. We are looking to restore the true reputation of Bani Yas by returning to the winning ways,” he added.

In the other important match of the day, Sharjah will take on Al Dhafra. Sharjah coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the team in the first match. Sharjah had defeated Ittihad Kalba 1-0 in their season opener.

“The performance of the players in these condition was up to the mark. Bernard and Malango were good in their first game. We expect they will have greater impact on the team,” said Anbari.

“Our preparations are going well. Our focus is on appearing better, becoming better with every game. We want to collect maximum points before the break for the World Cup qualifiers,” he added.

Sharjah player Abdullah Ghanem said: “The first victory always gives the team and players a great boost to their morale. They aspire to give the team more wins.” Attachments area