Sharjah, Shabab Al Ahli eye early piece of silverware

Dubai - Sharjah captain Shaheen Abdulrahman said that it would be wonderful to win a title early in the season

The Arabian Gulf League, the UAE top flight of football, the Arabian Gulf Cup and the prestigious President’s Cup are still in progress, as we speak, but two clubs have the opportunity to land an early piece of silverware before the season reaches its conclusion.

The Arabian Gulf Super Cup, traditionally the season-opener played between the previous season’s Arabian Gulf League champions and the President’s Cup winners, will take place at the Al Nasr’s Al Maktoum Stadium on Friday night.

And AGL champions Sharjah and Shabab Al Ahli will look to go one up on the other and take the bragging rights before the season plays out.

It will be a rematch of the previous season where Sharjah prevailed 4-3 on penalties after regulation time ended in a stalemate. Sharjah will be eager to defend the title and add a third crown, while Shabab Al Ahli are aiming for a fifth Super Cup.

Ahead of the game, players from both sides exuded confidence that they can get the job done. And Shabab Al Ahli Brazilian forward Igor Jesus was hoping to win his first trophy with the club.

“It won’t be an easy game but the team has prepared well and we are fully focussed on winning the title. I want to help the team and my teammates to achieve victories. A first title with Shabab Al Ahli will be great,” said Jesus.

Meanwhile, Sharjah captain Shaheen Abdulrahman said that it would be wonderful to win a title early in the season.

“Our target in Sharjah this season is to compete and win all titles, and the Arabian Gulf Super Cup is the first title of the season. The team that wishes to remain at the top have to put in the effort,” said Abdulrahman.

The defender reckoned it would be a difficult encounter but counted on his side to come through against a strong side like Shabab Al Ahli.

“We are used to difficult clashes, and our match against Shabab Al Ahli is one of those matches. The fact that it is a final match makes it even more difficult. Both teams will be fully focused, and I think that Shabab Al Ahli have strong team overall. But we will do our best to emerge winners and win the title,” he added.

The match, held under the "Our Winter is Super" slogan, which was launched by the UAE Pro League in support of the "World’s Coolest Winter" campaign to promote domestic tourism in the UAE, will be played behind closed doors.

james@khaleejtimes.com