Al Nasr forward Jires Kembo Ekoko is convinced it is only a matter of time until the club’s hard work is rewarded with success in the
The Blue Wave sit third in the table after Saturday’s 3-1 loss at second-placed Al Ahli. This result followed November’s momentum-checking 3-0 loss to champions Al Ain.
Nasr are attempting to turn last term’s President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup double into top-flight glory and Kembo Ekoko, 27, was sure the squad possesses the ability to reach this goal.
“We have many young players, so it is not like a new group but a lot of players changed,” said the summer signing from Al Ain.
“I think we need some time. We work good in training and one time, football will pay. We have to treat it like this.
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“We are close. Al Ahli are a good team and Al Ain are a good team also, but this year we are good and strong. We need to continue to work and it will pay.”
The match marked a special occasion for Blue Wave playmaker Luis Jimenez.
He returned to Rashid Stadium as an opposition player for the first time after he ended a successful four-year association in July once his contract was not renewed.
“It’s always nice to come back here,” said the 31-year-old Chile playmaker.
“I passed some very nice seasons here with a lot of trophies and I still have a lot of friends here, so it’s always nice to come back.”