Al Shaab boss Walter Zenga has challenged his bottom-placed troops to believe the impossible after they finally broke their Arabian Gulf League duck.
The Commandos tasted top-flight victory at the 17th time of asking on Saturday when they saw off fellow strugglers Al Dhafra 2-0.
They still sit 12 points from safety, but with their President’s Cup campaign about to start Zenga hoped the victory could act as a watershed moment.
“I don’t want to talk about the numbers or percentages, although it is a correct question,” said the ex-Al Ain, Al Nasr and Al Jazira supremo when probed on the chances of guiding his marooned side to safety.
“For example, we have on February 26 a match in the President’s Cup (against Dibba Al Fujairah).
“If we want to arrive there in the right way we must prepare ourselves against Al Wasl and most importantly, Sharjah. This is a derby.
“If we prepare in the right way, we can take some satisfaction until the end of the season. Then, never it is impossible in life.
“Of course, it is difficult. But in my opinion, you can never say never.”
The loss was a blow to second-bottom Dhafra, who face key clashes against Emirates Club and Al Jazira before the end of the month.
“Shaab were not only good because of their own performance level, it was also because we didn’t play well,” said disappointed coach Mohammed Kwid.
“We gave our opponents too much space in the field to play and make moves.
“We didn’t deserve to win in this game, but we deseved to draw at least.
“We take this game as a lesson for the future, which will help to start making better results.”