Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic wants his Arabian Gulf League champions to play with 'honour' on final day

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  • Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic is getting ready for Sunday's Arabian Gulf League coronation (Al Ain).

    Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic has insisted his champions will show the same “level of honour” that led them to a record-extending 13th Arabian Gulf League title when they wind up a glorious campaign against relegation battlers Al Dhafra.

    The Boss emphatically secured the crown with last Saturday’s 4-0 win at Al Nasr and will celebrate this success at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday.

    Even though a President’s Cup final against Al Wasl and 2018 AFC Champions League round-of-16 double header against Qatar’s Al Duhail await next month, Mamic declares his squad remain focused on the next task.

    He said: “We look forward to continuing to provide the level of honour that lead us to such strong results and we are well aware that the season is close to reaching the finish line.

    “Our players will be at their best readiness before the coronation.”

    Meanwhile, Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club tactician Mahdi Ali has demanded a “quick response” from his shell-shocked troops when they wind up a trying inaugural campaign against 2019 AFC Champions League pretenders Al Wasl.

    The merged club’s last shot at silverware was ended by Wednesday’s 6-0 humiliation against Al Ain in the President’s Cup quarter-finals. In the top flight, they can finish no higher than fifth.

    “The players are responsible for a quick response to and correct the loss against Al Ain,” said ex-UAE boss Ali, who is expected to imminently depart. “They must feel this need, we also talk to them and tell them the loss was not the end of the world.”

    Deposed holders Al Jazira have an Abu Dhabi derby at runners-up Al Wahda to keep them busy, but minds are already drifting towards next month’s continental knockouts.

    “We are aiming to get a morale boost that will help us prepare better for the two crucial matches against Iran’s Persepolis in the AFC Champions League,” said boss Henk ten Cate.

    SATURDAY ROUND-UP

    Midfielder Ahmed Khamis struck in the second half to ensure bottom-placed Hatta head into next month’s relegation play-off with a morale-boosting 1-0 triumph against Ajman.

    Al Nasr loanee Khamis, 32, applied a simple left-footed finish to gain just a fourth win of a trying campaign – and the Tornado’s first in the top flight since February 2. A two-legged tie awaits versus First Division League’s Fujairah.

    Meanwhile, Brazilians Vander Vieira and Welliton both pounced from the penalty spot to see Sharjah sign off with a 2-1 victory against Dibba Al Fujairah.

    Ahmed Rashed had earlier made it 1-1 for the Fishermen.

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