Sparky’s Column

Etisalat Cup Semifinals Time

 

The UAE teams began their AFC Champions League campaigns last week and whilst the results weren't overwhelmingly favourable, there were some positives. Whilst none of the UAE teams won their respective matches there was more than one creditable performance.

Emirates are a small club even by UAE standards, put them against some of the continent's giants and they are miniscule. I expected them be easily beaten by last year's finalists Zobahan. The truth is they very nearly pulled off the shock of the round. The key moment was a mix up between Emirates' goalkeeper and defenders, which led to the equaliser when they were 1-0 up. The focus will be on the error and what might have been but it proves they can mix it with the continent's best. I get the feeling we may see a shock or two especially when teams have to visit Ras Al Khaimah.

A miserable season continued for Al Ain, losing to FC Seoul by the odd goal in what is the start of a long hard slog in the group stages. They needed a result as I can't see them picking up too many points in Korea, China or Japan.  Al Wahda shared the spoils with FC Bunyodkor, both teams leaving it very late to score. Hugo Henrique equalising two minutes after the opener in the 85th minute. Josef Hickersberger has enough experience in Europe and Asia to realise that home points are vital and this is two points dropped rather than one gained. Al Jazira are all guns blazing in the Etisalat Pro-League but couldn't break the deadlock at home against Al Gharafa of Qatar. The vital home points again going missing.

The message is simple in the AFC Champions League - wins at home are vital if you are to progress. Despite some credible performances the clubs will face an uphill task to qualify for the second round.

Moving back to the domestic competitions, we are at the semifinals stage of the Etisalat Cup. The competition featured a mixture of reserve team players and non national team foreign players in the early rounds. The UAE's high number of international tournaments this year meant some clubs were missing as many as six first team regulars in the earlier Etisalat Cup rounds. It all changes now we are at the business end of the competition. This week's semifinals feature four of the UAE's biggest clubs. Al Ain have a pleasant distraction from their disappointing League form when they face Al Wasl, whilst Al Wahda take on Al Shabab with both teams being the model of inconsistency. Both teams have shown decent form in the Presidents Cup and Etisalat Cup so it is a difficult match to call. I have a feeling this year Al Wasl will be the team to beat. Whilst they are off the pace in the League after a poor second half of the season, they are in the semifinals of the Presidents Cup and on their day can match anyone in the League. The star man and definitely the signing of the season is Yeste. He has been outstanding all season and especially deadly from set pieces. It would be a fitting reward for the former Athletic Bilbao man.

The Etisalat Cup semifinal matches will be played on Wednesday, March 10 and there will be an audio report post match on the website.