Misfiring Al Wasl striker Edgar Bruno is set for a fresh start in the Arabian Gulf Cup against Bani Yas after last weekend’s brace of friendly goals, according to assistant coach Pedro Carmona.
Summer signing Edgar, 28, had scored just one goal in August’s 2-0 victory against Al Shaab in the same competition prior to Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Egypt’s Wadi Degla SC.
Group A’s bottom-placed side are up next for the Cheetahs at Zabeel Stadium on Friday night and Carmona is confident Bruno, bought from Al Shabab this summer, will help end his club’s threematch scoreless run in competitive matches.
He said: “We trust Edgar and we are sure he will score a lot of goals. It is normal, the first months can be difficult. We saw in the friendly game why we trust him, he will make us very happy.”
Meanwhile, Al Ain boss Zlatko Dalic is convinced victory at Al Wahda “is the key” to his side’s chances of progression. The rivals meet again nearly two weeks since the Clarets claimed a valuable 2-1 Arabian Gulf Leaguevictory against the champions.
“Victory against Al Wahda is the key to Al Ain’s hopes of making the semi-finals,” said the Croatian, whose side are second bottom in Group B.
“We will miss many international players but I have great confidence in all elements of the team.”
Tomorrow’s other match sees strugglers Al Dhafra and Shaab face off at Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Stadium in Group A.
