Lifting the President’s Cup will allow rejuvenated Al Jazira to banish memories of their “disaster” in the top flight, according to lethal forward Ali Mabkhout.
The Pride of Abu Dhabi were hotly tipped to challenge for the Arabian Gulf League crown last summer. But the heralded return of 2010/11 winning coach Abel Braga turned into a nightmare.
They have rebounded since Henk ten Cate replaced the outdated Brazilian in December, Mabkhout’s predatory triple against double-chasing Al Ahli setting up a showdown with Al Ain in Sunday’s final.
“Of course, I’m so happy to have scored a hat-trick in the semi-final to help my team through to the final, but I hope now we can take the cup,” said the UAE international.
“Because after the disaster in the league this season, to win the cup is very important for the team.
“We all want this President’s Cup, we put all our focus on this and hopefully we’ll do it.”
Despite Jazira limping home a distant seventh in the league, Mabkhout was second top-scorer with a career-high 23 goals. Further efforts in the abortive AFC Champions League campaign and President’s Cup put him onto an outstanding 29 strikes in 31 matches this term.
The leading marksman at the 2015 Asian Cup has no intention of ending there.
He said: “For me, it’s the best season in my life. But I hope next season will be even better. I need to continue, not stop here.”
Amazing night for @AlJazira_uae. Will be fired up for #presidentscup. @alimabkhout07 is 🔥🔥🔥 @Sport360 https://t.co/Y74r7uZX5t
— Matt Monaghan (@mattmonaghan360) May 20, 2016
