Sharjah look to extend winning streak as Adnoc Pro League resumes

Mohammad Abdullah, Staff Reporter

Mouthwatering clashes are on card as the third round of the Adnoc Pro League resumes after a brief break on Friday.

The leagues across the globe were halted for the third round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Khorfakkan and Al Wahda will get the ball rolling to kick off the third round at the Saqr Bin Mohammad Al Qassimi Stadium.

Emirates and Al Dhfara will face off at the Emirates Stadium in the other early fixture, which will be followed by Sharjah and Al Wasl clash at the Sharjah Stadium at 9pm.

Sharjah coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari urged his team to give their best and not to take Al Wasl, who are four places  adrift of the Kings on the points table, lightly.

“I am wary of Al Wasl’s prowess. They are a strong team, who have some very good players who have produced a very good performance in the first two matches of the season. But we are confident and have a desire to achieve a positive result and earn more point to climb to the summit,” said Anbari.

Sharjah are currently on the second spot behind Al Ain. Both the teams have six points each from their two outings. Al Ain are on the top of the table with a better goal difference.

“Our focus is on the next match as it is an important junction in the calendar as the league resumes after a short break. We want to gain an early momentum and set the tone for the rest of the season. We have more difficult matches ahead,” he apprised.

“The match between Sharjah and Al Wasl always generates a lot of interest and excitement among the fans and the players alike because of its historical importance,” added Anbari.

Sharjah players Khaled Al-Dhanhani vowed to put up a winning performance against Al Wasl. “We will go into the match with great determination to run away with full three points. A victory in the match will be a perfect springboard for us as it will give us motivation for the AFC Champions League match.

“We have a good opportunity to extend winning streak as we are playing at the home turf in front of our fans who are waiting to see us in action,” said Dhanani.

Al Wahda coach Henk ten Cate said his team is ready for the Khorfakkan clash but the lack of training to some players is a bit concern.

“It is a very important and tough game specially because of the lack of training to some players, who were on national duty for the World Cup qualifiers.  “Generally the team is prepared and raring to go. We need to win this game in order to compensate for losing the points in the last round,” said ten Cate.

Al Wahda were held to a 1-1 draw against Bani Yas after getting off to a flying start in their first game against newly-promoted Al Orooba.

“I am wary of what Khorfakkan can do. We expect difficult game against them. We lost nine players during the break and we need to win this game desperately to get back to winning ways.