Friday, Apr 06, 2012
Gulf News
Dubai Al Shabab coach Paulo Bonamigo has called on his players to perform better on the road if they are to harbour any chances of advancing as the second team from Group D in this season’s Asian Champions League.
With Iran’s Pirouzi Athletic virtually sealing one berth in the next round following their 3-0 drubbing of Al Gharafa of Qatar, the fight for the second spot is now open for the remaining three sides — Al Hilal, Al Gharafa and Al Shabab.
“There is one place that is almost done, but the second team is still not confirmed. Everyone has a chance and we have everything to play for when we travel to Saudi Arabia for the return leg against Al Hilal [on April 17]. We have no choice but go all out for three points and force a positive result if we are to keep our hopes of having a realistic chance of advancing,” Bonamigo said.
Al Shabab did well to recover from their 6-1 drubbing against Pirouzi last month to earn a 1-1 home draw with Al Hilal on Wednesday night. The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute through Jociel Da Silva [Ciel], but a lapse in concentration saw the visitors restore parity in the 69th minute and rob two points from the Dubai team.
Pirouzi top the group with seven points, while Al Hilal are second with three points and Al Gharafa and Al Shabab are in third and fourth with two points apiece.
“The next match will be decisive and things will be clear. Pirouzi Athletic won outside and they are leading the group and if we want to keep our chances open for qualifying, then we need a positive result against Al Hilal when we play them again in two weeks’ time,” Bonamigo said.
Under fire for a third successive draw, Al Hilal coach Ivan Hasek refused to give up.
“I am not fond of draws. We still have another three matches and we need to go all out for the nine points from these games. I don’t care about being sacked. I have been entrusted with a job and I will continue,” he said.
“We need to concentrate. We were lucky at the end when Al Shabab missed a chance. We have a young team in the entire Champions League, but we need to continue learning all the time. We can’t take things for granted.
“My next assignment is our next match and we will start preparations immediately.”
By Alaric Gomes?Senior Reporter
Gulf News 2012. All rights reserved.
