Al Nasr and Al Wasl set sights on President’s Cup glory

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Pro League leaders Al Wasl will bid to boost their double hopes by winning the UAE President’s Cup with a victory over Al Nasr in the final at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain at 7.30 pm on Friday.

Al Wasl have a healthy lead of six points over their nearest rivals Shabab Al Ahli. With a victory in the final of the President’s Cup, they can remain on course for a double of league and cup titles.

But Al Nasr stand in their way of realising their dreams of clinching two trophies in a season. Al Nasr, who are fifth in the standings, having missed out their berth in the AFC Champions League match, will look to end their season with a silverware in their cabinet.

Al Nasr coach informed about their preparations for the final of the President’s Cup.

“We are very well prepared for the final. It is a big occasion for both the teams. It is one of the most prestigious tournament and it is an honour to be in the final of the tourney. We played fantastic football and we deserve to be in the final,” said Al Nasr coach Alfred Schreuder.

He also predicted a tough clash against the in-form Al Wasl.

“We are confident of winning the final against Al Wasl. We know they are a very strong team but we have done a good preparation,” he added.

Al Nasr announced the renewal of the contract Schreuder, for an additional season until June 2025, in order to maintain the stability of the team and ensure the preservation of the good results achieved recently.

Schreuder was appointed as Al Nasr’s coach after the departure of the Serbian coach, Goran Tufegdzic, and achieved remarkable results.

Meanwhile, Al Wasl coach Milos Milojevic also exuded confidence in his team.

“We are aware of Al Nasr’s potential as team and how dangerous they can be on a given day. But we are confident of winning the title. We will give our best,” said Milojevic.

Äl Wasl were unbeaten in the Pro League and other domestic tournament until their last match in which Al Wahda defeated them to break their streak.

“It has been a great season for us. We had not lost a single game until the last match. We are sure to bounce back against Al Nasr and get back to the winning ways,” he added.

Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, congratulated Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Al Wasl Sports Club, and Sheikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Al Nasr Sports Club, for reaching this season’s final of His Highness the President of the UAE Football Cup.

"Reaching the final of such a prestigious tournament that bears the name of our dear President is a true achievement that deserves congratulations, praise and appreciation for the efforts put in by the administrations of the two clubs, their technical and training staff, and the players.

"Aspiring to be the best is just the implementation of the directives of the two club presidents as they have been the key factor in the clubs setting out to achieve the dreams of their loyal fans, while striving to add yet another prestigious title to their name,” Sheikh Mansoor complimented.

"The eyes of the football world in the UAE and beyond will be on the final between two clubs from Dubai on Friday as the two teams tussle at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain. Also following our success will be fans from across the Arab world who have been watching the great development of football in the UAE through the strength of its competitions,” he added.

Sheikh Mansoor added "For sure, the hearts of the fans from Dubai will be divided between Al Wasl and Al Nasr this Friday."

"But we can expect all of them to beat as one as Al Ain will once again be in the final of the AFC Champions League at the same venue, on May 25”.

The Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council appreciated the role of the fans of Al Nasr and Al Wasl in supporting their teams during the journey of the President’s Cup.

"The fans of the two clubs have played a major role in providing beautiful performances and results, and this final on Friday will be a true appetiser to the other important final [the AFC Champions League] featuring Al Ain, next week. We wish both the teams the very best as they compete for this prestigious crown,” he added.