Sharjah are the Kings after two-decade wait

Sharjah coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari and his staff celebrate after beating Al Wahda to win the Arabian Gulf League title. - Supplied photo

'The King,' 'Make us dream, 'Fight for us,' screamed the banners, at the other end of the pitch. The stands was packed to the rafters with a sea of white, the club's colours, with a sprinkling of red, fans waving their scarfs emblazoned with 'The King.' They created quite a roar with one fan even mimicked fishing, where he seemed to be pulling the prized 'catch.'
They were quite the memorable scenes and there were many more at the Khaled bin Mohamed Stadium on Wednesday night. And after a thrilling 90 minutes, Sharjah responded to their faithful fans and ended a wait that had spilled into little over two decades.
Sharjah conjured a dramatic and edgy 3-2 result against Al Wahda in their penultimate Arabian Gulf League fixture to lay their hands on a first championship in 23 years.
This was Sharjah first title in the professional era with their last League title coming way back in the 1995-96 season, well before the UAE top flight had become professional.
And it was also their first piece of silverware in 16 years with Sharjah last winning the prestigious President's Cup back in the 2002-03 season.
Sharjah, who had gone 23 matches without being beaten, before finally seeing that run come to an end last time out against Al Wasl, were well and truly tested by a strong Al Wahda. But they showed nerves of steel and verve to lend the finishing touches to a season that has been nothing short of remarkable.
After referee Hamad Ali Yousef blew the final whistle following four minutes of stoppage time, which seemed like an eternity for the Sharjah players and their fans, it was emotional scenes. The players heaved a sigh of relief and were still coming to terms with what they had just accomplished as they celebrated.
The coaching staff were not to be left out with Al Anbari and his support staff stealing a little huddle before joining in the players in celebrations. Then, the fans who have followed their team through thick and thin, invaded the pitch and celebrated as fireworks lit up the sky.
And the celebrations spilled onto the press conference room with the players and staff 'invading' Al Anbari's post-match address.
Sharjah's closest challengers Shabab Al Ahli swamped Bani Yas 4-1 at Al Awir on the night but even though the gap remains three points between the two with one round left to play out, Sharjah hold the head-to-head advantage.
Igor Coronado scored a brace, on 30 and 57 minutes, while Welliton scored on 46 minutes. Leonardo de Souza and Sebastian Tagliabue scored for Al Wahda on 40 and 76 minutes respectively.
james@khaleejtimes.com