AFC Champions League Two
The marathon match went all the way after the return leg ended 1-1 and 2-2 on aggregate, with Marcos Meloni putting Sharjah ahead before Mu’nas Dabbur’s stoppage time header took the tie into extra time and subsequently, penalties.
“I thank all the players for their spirit, determination, and perseverance during the match, and I also thank the fans for their support,” Olaroiu. “I haven’t seen the stands like this for a long time.
“It feels that we achieved a historic result today against a very strong and distinguished team.
“We did not plan for penalty kicks. I told the players that victory is possible if they exceed their capabilities and play at 120%.”
The teams converted the first three of their respective spot-kicks before Sharjah’s Adel Al Hosani blocked Kauan Santos’ effort to give the home side the advantage.
Mohammad Abdulbasit made it 4-3 before Shabab’s fifth penalty taker Matevsao tucked away his to set up Guilherme Biro with the chance to be the hero, with the winner slotting home much to the delight of the home crowd.
A dejected Paulo Sousa credited his players for approaching the match in the right way but the Shabab head coach felt the conditions weren’t ideal for his players to excel.
“I'm proud of my team, which plays attacking football,” said Sousa. “We had many chances tonight.
“We faced a defensive team and we were the better side, but we couldn’t play much because there were many stoppages throughout the game.”
Sharjah will face Saudi Arabia’s Al Taawoun FC in the semi-finals with the first leg to be played on April 15.
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