Al Wahda pip Al Ain, clinch ADIB Cup crown

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

Al Wahda were crowned the ADIB Cup’s champions after snatching a 1-0 win over Al Ain at Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium on Friday.

Lucas Pimenta scored the only gaol of the game when he rose above and headed home the first goal for Al Wahda against Al Ain from a perfect cross in the 15th minute. Pimenta became the youngest player to score for Al Wahda in the tournament’s final.

Al Ain increased their pressure, searching for the equalizer, and Laba Kodjo came close through a tricky header that wents yards beside the post.
Laba Kodjo should have hit the equalizer in the 81st minute, but his powerful header smashed the post.

Al Ain manager Hernan Crespo said his side did not deserve to lose the ADIB Cup final to Al Wahda, but backed his team to rebound in their bid to become Asian champions later this month.

Although Al Ain, boasting two League Cup titles and a runner-up finish last season, dominated the second half in Abu Dhabi, they were unable to break through Wahda’s defense and secure victory.

Crespo congratulated Al Wahda on their ADIB Cup victory. While disappointed with the result, he acknowledged his team’s strong performance.
“We dominated the match but conceded from a single chance,” Crespo said. “We created opportunities but couldn’t convert them. Despite this, I’m proud of my players. They should be proud too.”

Crespo admitted that Al Ain lacked some luck and needs to improve finishing. “We weren’t at our best,” he said.   “Sometimes football requires a slice of luck. We must be more clinical in front of goal.”

“We were on top not just in the second half but also in the last 10 minutes of the first half,” he stated. “This is football. It’s hard to explain. “We don’t harbour any regrets, and that’s crucial. After losing the final, it’s important to be able to hold your head high and go to sleep without regrets. These players have given their all on the pitch, they’ve tried everything to score and win the final. “But football isn’t about deserving; it’s about goals. We didn’t score, and they did,” the Argentine added.”

With the sting of defeat still fresh, Al Ain have no time to dwell. Sitting third in the Adnoc Pro League with just six matches left, they face Khorfakkan on Monday.

A win is crucial to close the gap to second-placed Shabab Al Ahli to just four points.

Matar announces retirement: Veteran Al-Wahda star Ismail Matar capped off his illustrious career with one final appearance in the ADIB Cup final.

The 41-year-old announced his retirement beforehand, leaving the pitch after a career filled with titles and achievements. “Facing Al Ain in my last match is a perfect way to end it,” Matar said before the game.  “This final will forever be a special memory for me.”

The veteran lifted the ADIB Cup trophy for the third time with his boyhood club, capping off his final season on a high note.