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Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira are heading for their most important and crucial match against Al Shabab tomorrow in the 22nd week of etisalat First Division Football League.
Al Jazira need to beat leaders Al Shabab to emerge equal on points, 41, and thereby ensure a playoff on Sunday to decide the league champions. Any other result tomorrow will see Al Shabab emerge champions.
"It is not an easy task, but at the same time, it is within our reach as I have confidence in my players to win the points," Al Jazira coach Ladislau Boloni said.
"We have recovered at the right time and started winning matches after losing some easy points. It is our last chance to win the title and I am sure my players realise the situation and are determined to grab this opportunity."
Ironing out flaws
Boloni confirmed that the team were working hard to iron out some of the flaws that occurred in their last match against Al Dhafrah, which they won 3-2.
Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi, the supervisor of the Al Jazira team, told Gulf News: "We have one chance and that in itself is good because some times, two chances of a draw or victory can distract the players' concentration. We have no other way but to win the encounter and that is exactly what our players will want to do."
"We know that beating Al Shabab, who have been leading the standings since the first week, will not be easy, but they have lost matches and we have won some difficult encounters this season and proved our capabilities as one of the strongest contenders for the title.
Nurturing a dream
"We have a dream of winning the title for the first time in our history. We know that winning tomorrow does not secure the title for us. We will have to win tomorrow and on Sunday, should there be a playoff, to secure the league title," Al Swuaidi added.
Meanwhile, Al Jazira will miss the services of their dynamic left wing-back, Saleh Obaid, for having collected his third yellow card - resulting in an automatic one-match suspension.
"Saleh is an important player, but we are a team of 11 and our bench is full of good replacements for all positions," team administrator Ahmad Saeed told Gulf News.
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