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Dubai: Skipper Salem Sa'ad is confident coach Toninho Cerezo will draft in a suitable substitute to fill in the void created by Brazilian playmaker Marcos Assuncao.
"The coach will bring in a suitable substitute," Sa'ad said after his team's 2-0 win against the visiting Al Shaab in their opening match of the UAE Football League (UFL) late on Saturday.
Sa'ad was one of the two scorers as the defending league champions became one of five teams to commence their league campaign with three points.
But in the bargain, Al Shabab lost Assuncao - punished on two occasions within two minutes by referee Fareed Ali for a lunge first on Merouane Zemmama and then Godwin Attram. Assuncao will now have to sit out one match for the red card as per competition rules.
Quality
"Assuncao is such a great player, both on and off the field and we will surely miss him in our next match against Sharjah," Sa'ad said.
"He brings in so much quality to the side and his presence is something that we will miss while preparing for the next game," he added.
However, the captain was confident coach Cerezo would draft in an adequate substitute when Al Shabab faces Sharjah tomorrow.
"The coach will find the right person to fill in the role on behalf of Assuncao," Sa'ad said.
"The coach knows best and he will find a player who is capable of playing at the same level as Assuncao," he confided.
He was relieved they were able to defend well after losing the influential Brazilian.
"We not only defended our narrow lead, but scored a second to put Al Shaab under pressure," Sa'ad added.
Sa'ad brushed aside his contribution regarding the success of the team.
"It's not about Salem Sa'ad as I am only one of the players in the team. I am there to follow the instructions of the coach, and whenever I score and Al Shabab wins, it means we are successful as a team," Sa'ad said.
"We have our strengths and we wish to continue this way."
Al Shabab had an identical strong start to the league last season too with an opening round 3-0 thrashing of Hatta Club. And now with three points already in the kitty, the Al Shabab skipper is hoping they will continue the winning touch.
"We've made a good start, but now I only hope we can continue with this," Sa'ad said.
Meanwhile Al Shabab coach Toninho Cerezo too bemoaned the loss of his star playmaker.
"The tackles came in too quick and the referee was close at hand to notice both the fouls. Assuncao is a great player who is constantly on the lookout for the ball, so it is but natural for him to come in contact with the other team players," Cerezo said.
"It's unfortunate for our team, but we will be ready to take the next game in our stride with a suitable substitute," Cerezo said.
The coach confided that the team would miss the Brazilian most when it came to dead ball situations.
"He is the best one among our players for dead ball conversions and we will surely miss him against Sharjah."
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