Sparky’s Column

The AFC Champions League

 

The Asian Champions League has not proved a happy hunting ground for UAE teams this week. Al Jazira were heavily beaten in Riyadh whilst fielding almost a reserve team. Their three foreign players were not included in the squad as coach Braga switched his gaze to the President's Cup final. Al Wahda who also had one eye on the Cup final were rolled over at home by former Champions League winners Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia. Al Ain managed a result of sorts drawing 0-0 against Hangzhou of China. Al Ain must almost be looking at the AFC competition as a distraction from their relegation battle in the Etisalat Pro-League. It's a distraction that involves thousands upon thousands of miles travel for a team that needs to concentrate on their domestic form. Al Ain now will remain in China before decamping to Japan for the rearranged fixture against Grampus 8. The only bonus is that they can get two of the matches done without having to travel back and forward to the UAE. They will then only face a trip to Korea before finally being able to settle down and concentrate on their domestic commitments.

 The AFC Champions League is the premier competition on the continent but a long way from the big hitters of Asia are the lower reaches of the Etisalat Pro-League.

In Al Awir a small club is showing what it means to never give up. Dubai Club beat Sharjah 1-0 last weekend which lifted them to 9th in the League, two places above the relegation zone. They started the season without a point in their first eight games. Their form since has been outstanding winning five and drawing one of the last eight games, only champions elect Al Jazira have a better record.

Al Dhafra have a new coach tasked with getting them out of the relegation mire. Mohammed Kwid knows how to get the job done in Bedda Zeyad as he has done it before, this is his second stint at the club. They say you should never go back and on current form it is a tough ask to keep the team in the top division. Time will tell if Kwid can prove the old adage wrong.

The decks are cleared this week as we look forward to the President's Cup final. The avalanche of trophies that Al Jazira have been waiting for could begin on Monday at Zayed Sports City. Confidence should not be an issue for either side as Al Wahda know how to win trophies and Al Jazira are riding high in the League. The key man for this game will be Brazilian but I am not sure if it will be Baiano or Bare. Baiano will always have a point to prove against the club that let him go and Bare seems to conjure up several good chances a game. The 2-2 draw a few weeks ago was a game worthy of a final and hopefully we can get a repeat performance in the big match.