Mamzar Derby to decide Arabian Gulf Cup winner

Dubai - Al Ahli set to go fencing with their rivals down the road - Al Shabab at the Al Maktoum Stadium

The first piece of silverware in the UAE top flight will be decided on Saturday night with the Arabian Gulf Cup on the line.
And it is a repeat of the 2011-12 final with two-time champions Al Ahli set to go fencing with their rivals down the road - Al Shabab in the 'Mamzar Derby at the Al Maktoum Stadium.
When they met five seasons ago, the Red Knights had won 5-4 on penalties, for the first of their two Arabian Gulf Cup titles. The Al Quasis club later went on to add another one in the 2013-14 season.
Meanwhile, Al Shabab have tasted success only once despite making three forays into the final. The Hawks had edged past Al Ain 3-2 in the 2010-11 season and also reached the final last season, going down to Al Wahda by a solitary goal.
The Red Knights have the opportunity to win two domestic titles with Cosmin Olaroiu's side also in the hunt in the Arabian Gulf League and defender Eisa Santo said that they were aiming for the double.
"We are not fooled by Al Shabab's underachievement this season. Their position in the Arabian Gulf League table is not representative of their true level. We know we will face a different team in the Arabian Gulf Cup final; they are looking to bounce back from their failure in the other competitions this season, so we expect a tough match. We respect Al Shabab but we will not settle for less than lifting the trophy," said Santo.
"We lost our chance to compete for the most prestigious trophy after exiting the President Cup, but we have a chance to compensate now by competing for the Arabian Gulf Cup and the League which is still to play for. We will do our best to win the Cup and remain in contention for the League. These are our ambitions and we will not settle for less," added the former Al Wahda right back.
Meanwhile, young midfielder Waleed Hussain was hoping to make a massive impression after signing a new contract with the Red Knights, following a season out on loan with Al Fujairah.
"I hope my first match in the new period with the club coincides with winning the cup, this way it will be a double celebration," said Hussain.
"I am full of confidence in our ability to win the trophy. This is not to dismiss Al Shabab, it is rather faith in my teammates and our coach whom I consider one of the best in the region. Cosmin (Olaroiu) is capable of putting the right strategy for the game, we just need to execute it right on matchday," added the 24-year-old.
Meanwhile, for Al Shabab, this present's their only chance of winning silverware this season with The Hawks lying a lowly eighth in the Arabian Gulf League. And Al Shabab defender Eisa Mohamed said that they will try and make the most of the chance.
"We were unfortunate in other competitions and now this is our only chance to reconcile with the fans and give them something to cheer about," said Mohamed.
james@khaleejtimes.com