AL AIN // A disappointing title defence last season helped set the stage for Al Ain to return to the top of the Arabian Gulf League this season, according to Khalid Essa, the team’s goalkeeper.
"It is normal for any team to have a bad season," he said after Al Ain celebrated their 12th championship, and third in four years, on Saturday night. "Now and then a team drops.
“I assume that after being crowned winners of the Arabian Gulf League, we will continue to walk on the right path. Winning the title gives us a boost of confidence. It is the first trophy in the new stadium.”
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The club’s focus is now on the President’s Cup and the Asian Champions League, he said.
Helal Saeed, the veteran midfielder who turns 38 this week, said Al Ain will aim for a league-cup-Champions League treble, which they accomplished in 2003, when he was serving his first stint in the Garden City.
“Of course, we are seeking a treble,” he said. “Al Ain does not just stop for one trophy.”
The club’s chances may rely on the continued fine form of Jires Kembo Ekoko, the French forward, who played his second season in Al Ain after a difficult 2012/13 and a season spent on loan to the Qatari side Al Jaish.
“I think this year is my best year because I scored 11 goals and I assisted 15,” he said. “I came back good.”
His contributions in the attack helped cover the absences of striker Asamoah Gyan, who was injured for much of the second half of the season.
“I am happy that the coach trusted me and also the club,” Kembo Ekoko said. “They put me in this position. But for me any place the coach will put me, if I can play, I will play and I will always give my best.”
malshamsi@thenational.ae
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