Saudi Boss Dos Anjos On The Brink

Former boss Nasser Al Gohar, general technical supervisor at the Saudi Arabia FA, has been earmarked as the likely successor. The loss in Tashkent sent the Saudis slipping into third place on Group 4 with three points from two matches, trailing Singapore on goal-difference.  

“It’s only a matter of time before Saudi Arabia FA announces the dismissing of Dos Anjos, to be replaced by Nasser Al Gohar,” a top FA official was quoted as saying by financial daily Al Eqtessadiyyah today.

In response to the speculation, Dos Anjos said: “I have been coaching for 30 years now, and dismissing any coach is just a part of the job."  

“However, I am working on a long-term project with the Saudi Arabia FA, we are aiming long-terms targets with the present squad and I believe that all of us are looking for the future without focusing on this issue.”  

Al Gohar first took the Saudi reins during the 2000 Asian Cup finals in Lebanon, replacing Czech tactician Milan Macala who was fired after Saudi Arabia went down to Japan 4-1 in their opening fixture.  

 Al Gohar steered the squad to the final showdown before being beaten to the trophy 1-0, again by Japan.