Al Wahda crept into the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-finals on goal difference after they earned a hard-fought 2-0 win at resurgent Sharjah last night.
The Clarets were locked in a battle with Group B rivals Dibba Al Fujairah, who came into their deciding matches on seven points and with an equal head-to-head record after September’s 3-3 draw.
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But Theo Bucker’s newly-promoted side came up short as they could only inflict a similar 2-0 defeat on already-eliminated Al Jazira to finish two goals short.
Wahda’s goals from Sultan Saif and superstar substitute Jorge Valdivia have set them up for an away tie at Group A winners Al Wasl in 2016, a fixture which will have resonance for boss Javier Aguirre.
It was not all positive news for the Mexican yesterday, the UAE Football Association banning him for three matches and issuing a Dh50,000 fine for a verbal assault on a linesman during December 10’s Arabian Gulf League loss at Zabeel Stadium.
The Clarets have stood by their coach, issuing a statement from board member Dr Jamal Al Hosani rebutting the call.
It read: “Al Wahda express their surprise at the decision of the Disciplinary Committee after Aguirre was sent off against Al Wasl. We believe that the decision is unfair to Mr Aguirre and the club.
“We know that there is great pressure on referees at the present time. We wish these pressures should not affect the nature of their work and hope it will not be dealt with in an events leading to a lot of confusion.
“Wahda are working vigorously and with responsibility in all competitions in which we participate and reject any behavior contrary to the general rules of the UAE FA and the values of ethical, athletic competition.”