Al Nasr defender Hussain Abbas believes his side’s morale-boosting 2-0 win against Sepahan can act as extra motivation as they seek to secure AFC Champions League football once again next season.
The Blue Wave’s victory on Tuesday halted a run of four games without a win, which has loosened their grip on third place in the Arabian Gulf League, likely to bring with it passage to next year’s continental competition.
Ivan Jovanovic’s men were held at home by Dibba Al Fujairah and beaten 1-0 at fellow Champions League qualification seekers Al Wahda in their last two AGL games, and travel across Dubai on Saturday to take on Al Shabab, who exited the Champions League following a 2-0 defeat to Uzbekistan’s Bunyodkor in the playoffs.
HIGHLIGHTS | @ALNasrSC 2-0 Sepahan #ALNvSEP #ACL2016 Report > https://t.co/8nOqRoedVU https://t.co/iGDUvNh2xB
— AFC Champions League (@TheAFCCL) March 1, 2016
Full-back Abbas set up the first Nasr goal for Brazilian Nilmar in Tuesday’s triumph and says the players have renewed confidence in their quest to finish third.
“Al Shabab will be a very important game for us as the coach said we have to stay in third position so that we can qualify for the ACL again,” said the 21-year-old. “The Sepahan game gave us a winning mentality and a big confidence boost, which will benefit us in the coming games.”
Jovanovic has stressed the importance of finishing third but claims they are not feeling the pressure, despite seeing his team leapfrogged by rivals Al Wasl last night following their 1-1 draw with Emirates Club.
“It’s an important game but I don’t feel there is pressure on us to get third,” said the 53-year-old Serbian. “Of course we need to get this position so that we can qualify for the ACL next year. In the position we are in, the demands and expectations on the team are higher. Pressure is higher and our responsibilities are bigger, but we always want to give our best.
“It would be an excellent season if we finish third and qualify to the next stage of the ACL and all our efforts are towards this target.”
Opposite number Caio Junior will be without a host of big names, especially at the back, with defenders Manei Mohammed and Mohammed Ali Ayed absent after both saw red in the 2-1 President’s Cup defeat to Bani Yas.
Goalkeeper Salem Abdullah is injured while veteran defender Essa Mohammed is also a doubt.
“We have a lot of problems in the back, so it is difficult to hope for victory in this situation,” said the Brazilian, who also bemoaned his side’s offensive woes, having scored the joint second fewest goals (23) in the AGL this season.
“The problem in the front line. Our predicament is still in the creation of opportunities, and translating them into goals.”
Although Nasr have been struggling of late, a 2-1 victory in the league at champions Al Ain for the Hawks last time out masks an abysmal run of just two wins in 12 games in all competitions, including five defeats in eight in the league.
