Coach backs UAE to make it to next stage

Dubai — Coach Ali Ebrahim reiterated on Thursday that the UAE are still in with a chance to advance to the second stage of 17^th Asian Games even as they conceded a solitary goal defeat to Jordan in their second match.

“India need to seal a big win over Jordan,” Ebrahim told newsmen following the heartbreaking 0-1 defeat. “We didn’t expect to be beaten after the splendid performance of our players despite the marching orders for our striker Waleed Ambar before the end of the first half,” he said.

“We have missed a number of scoring opportunities and our loss was a great surprise for me. The players made every move to level the result. Our players were not complacent after their victory over India. The Jordanian defensive line played a big game and they blocked most of our attempts,” he concluded.

Jordan coach Jamal Abu Abed admitted that their match against UAE was very tough and his players sealed a very difficult victory. “The early goal advantage was of great help to our campaign,” the former Jordanian international striker said. “Had it not been for the early lead, the UAE players would have made life difficult for us as we are missing eight of our key players because their clubs have declined to release them,” he said. “The win against UAE was very crucial for us at this stage. We had the opportunity to watch our opponents during their 5-0 victory over India and I was able to build my plan on solid facts.”