Etisalat Cup previews: Branko Ivankovic says Wahda in must-win scenario

Branko Ivankovic says Al Wahda are in a must-win situation; Al Jazira will be missing six players who are on international duty; Baniyas face a major obstacle.

Branko Ivankovic is stressing to his Al Wahda players the importance of their game against Dubai regarding their hopes in the Etisalat Cup.
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Dubai v Wahda

Branko Ivankovic, the Al Wahda coach, acknowledged his team is in a must-win situation against Dubai in Group A.

"This is our final group match and we need to win the three points to have any chance of going beyond the group stage," the Croatian said. His team are a point behind the leaders Al Ain but have played one game more.

"We may not take first place from our group but we can finish second and hope we will be the best second-placed team to qualify for the semi-finals."

Jazira v Kalba

Al Jazira will be without six players who are on international duty but Paulo Bonamigo, the coach, is confident they have the ability to win three points from Kalba in the Group B clash at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium.

"Certainly, our ambition is to top our group and if we can win three points, which we are confident of, from this game it will be a big step forward to achieve our objective," the Brazilian said.

Baniyas v Wasl

Baniyas face a major obstacle when they meet Al Wasl as they aim to keep alive their hopes of going beyond the group stage.

The Abu Dhabi side are second in Group B, a point behind Al Jazira.

"We are left with two games but we must win this game and then see what's left for us," Jozef Chovanec, the Baniyas coach said.

Wasl have lost their last three games but would want to go out on a high by winning their final group game in the competition.

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