Both under-pressure coach Abel Braga and Al Jazira could not be blamed at this stage for wondering if their reunion is ill-fated.
A first victory in nearly two months was elusively close on Tuesday during an epic Arabian Gulf Cup-contest, a 3-1 half-time deficit at Sharjah turning into a 4-3 lead just past the hour mark.
Painfully, parity was restored just four minutes later via an implausible free-kick from countryman Maicosuel to make it 4-4 – such is the Brazilian’s poor fortune, at present.
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“We are working hard to be on the right track,” said Braga.
“It was a good reaction and good performance against a very strong team, full of stars.
“I cannot give you an answer about what is going wrong after three months. We just focus on the next game, as we are on the right track.”
An improvement must appear in next Tuesday’s clash with Fujairah for Group B’s bottom-placed side to keep faint hopes of progression alive.
For all Braga’s protestations, Sharjah should have provided the kindest of opponents. The King have been woeful in 2015-16, sitting third bottom in the top flight.
But the AG Cup provided respite for coach Paulo Bonamigo last term and the same is happening now, his side within touching distance of qualification in third after a rollercoaster contest. He said: “We still have two matches and six points up for grabs. Still, we have chance to go further into the semi-finals.
A remarkable #AGCup game ends @SharjahFC 4-4 @AlJazira_uae. Result of far more use to hosts than under-pressure visitors @Sport360
— Matt Monaghan (@mattmonaghan360) November 10, 2015
“Between the two halves, I talked to the players and told them to keep the same strategy. I made some changes to make it 4-4 and that pleased us.”
There seemed little reason for optimism at half-time from the Pride of Abu Dhabi, in a match detailed by awful defending and even-worse goalkeeping. Striker Wanderley was the star, as usual, for Sharjah.
The Brazilian made his way to eight goals for the season with his opening brace, first heading home left-back Hamdan Qassem‘s lofted cross on 29 minutes before lashing in a powerful volley. The sides then shared a goal apiece before the break.
Utility man Sultan Al Shamsi fired home from distance courtesy of an uncharacteristic spill from UAE goalkeeper Mohamed Yousif, prior to defender Abdullah Ghanem close-range header in reply.
Jazira then exhibited the kind of resolve which exemplified Braga’s trophy-laden first spell in charge from 2008-11 to remarkably lead.
Playmaker Thiago Neves set them on their way with a 25-yard rocket.
He then sprung 20-year-old substitute Khalfan Mubarak to fire into the roof of the net, prior to his header across goal being met by veteran centre-back Juma Abdulla’s forehead. But more disappointment was not too far away.
razilian playmaker Maicosuel found a remarkable equaliser on 65 minutes as he fired in an audacious 30-yard free-kick from the right-hand touchline.
No more goals followed as a memorable game failed to provide a fitting ending, Wanderley going closest with a tame shot at woeful visiting goalkeeper Khalid Al Senani.
