Matchweek 4 of the Arabian Gulf League, dubbed "Flag Day Round" in observance of the UAE Flag Day, concludes on Wednesday with three other games, as Ittihad Kalba host Al Wasl, Khorfakkan play against Al Wahda and Shabab Al Ahli clash with Hatta.
The action resumes at 6pm when Ittihad Kalba host Al Wasl at Ittihad Kalba Stadium. Al Wasl and Kalba are tied on three points in the ninth and 10th places respectively. Kalba enter the game on back of a defeat to Al Jazira that left them 10th on three points only, and their opponents Al Wasl also suffered a blow after their 3-0 defeat to Al Nasr.
Kalba were unbeaten in their last three games to Al Wasl (1 win – 2 draws). However, they never kept a clean sheet against Al Wasl in the league and conceded 21 goals in 10 matches.
Ittihad Kalba coach Jorge Da Silva said his team prepared well for the Al Wasl clash. “We know we will be facing a tough team and we are definitely looking to snatch the full points,” he explained.
On the other hand, Al Wasl coach Salem Rabee said his team is ready for the Kalba clash, saying it will be a “tough” game as their opponents are also looking to get a win.
Meanwhile, Khorfakkan will be playing against Al Wahda at Saqr bin Mohammad Al Qassimi Stadium.
Khorfakkan are the only team who remain with no points. They linger at the bottom of the table after succumbing to three defeats. The Clarets are eighth on four points from a win, a draw and a defeat.
Al Wahda emerged victorious in their past two clashes with Khorfakkan in the league. In addition, Khorfakkan remain the only team who are yet to find the back of the net this season.
Khorfakkan coach Caio Zanardi said, “we respect Al Wahda and all the league teams. We have to put in a balanced performance and fight for a win.”
His Al Wahda counterpart Vuk Rašović expects a tough game as the opponents will be looking to get a win. He added, “our opponents are strong and organized. We have to give our all to get the win.”
The final match of the week will see Shabab Al Ahli host Hatta at Shabab Al Ahli’s Stadium in Al Awir at 9pm.
After kicking off the season with a 3-0 win over Kalba, Shabab Al Ahli were held to two consecutive draws by Al Ain and Al Wahda, which left them seventh on five points.
Hatta, on the other hand, have one point only from their most recent draw with Ajman.
Shabab Al Ahli’s record against Hatta in the league saw them earn three wins and a draw, while netting 14 goals and conceding two.
Shabab Al Ahli coach Gerard Zaragoza said that Hatta clash will not be easy. “We have to respect all teams equally,” he added.
Hatta coach Christos Kontis stressed that Shabab Al Ahli match will be tough. “They have an excellent group of players who can make the difference at any moment,” he added.
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