Fawzi insists Al Ain remain confident of AFCCL progress despite slump

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Fawzi (l) says Al Ain's belief remains.

    The Boss conceded two goals in two frantic minutes at the death on Sunday against Bani Yas to force a shock extra-time period, in which they belatedly prevailed through midfielder Lee Myung-joo’s composed winner.

    Another stern test now awaits on Wednesday in Iran, a 1-1 home draw to Zob Ahan putting them on the back foot for the fight to reach the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League.

    Despite an unconvincing route to Sunday’s domestic showpiece against Al Jazira, right-back Fawzi insists self-assurance will not be a problem in midweek.

    The 26-year-old said: “We have confidence, we are Al Ain. Inshallah, we will be what our supporters want.

    “We feel good. We are always happy. Even when we lost the Arabian Gulf League title we were still happy, because all the team is in one house. That is most important.”

    The rickety 2014 winners’ unconvincing progression to the decider at Zayed Sports City was in stark contrast to their opponents. A predatory hat-trick from 29-goal marksman Ali Makbhout saw the Pride of Abu Dhabi secure a merited 3-2 win against AGL champions Al Ahli.

    Fallen giants Jazira have improved markedly since Henk ten Cate arrived in December, following the abysmal return of Abel Braga. They have won four of their last five games in all competitions, which is a contrast to Al Ain’s faltering run of four triumphs in the last 11.

    “Jazira is a good team, in good shape,” said UAE international Fawzi. “But every year Al Ain play for the cup, compete to the end in the Arabian Gulf League and AFC Champions League.

    “We have the best player in the UAE [playmaker Omar Abdulrahman] and we are happy. Inshallah, we will be champions on May 29 and go to the next round of the AFC Champions League.”

    Elsewhere, Al Wahda’s UAE international defender Hamdan Al Kamali has committed his long-term future to the Clarets after signing a new five-year contract that will keep him at the Al Nahyan Stadium until 2021.

    The 27-year-old, who played 26 games and scored once in all competitions for the Abu Dhabi outfit this season, has spent the entirety of his ten year career at Wahda. He was loaned to Ligue 1 giants Lyon in 2011/12 but failed to make an impact in France’s top flight.

    “Hamdan Al Kamali is one of the club’s loyal sons and one of the main pillars the team relies on,” said a club statement.

    “He is characterised by consistent outstanding performances and is one of the important elements of the UAE national team. He has been awarded with a lucrative contract based upon his status as being the best defender in the country.”

    Recommended