Dubai: Reigning champions Al Ahli maintained their unbeaten run in the league with a decisive 4-1 mauling of Dibba in fourth round action of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL), late on Saturday.
Leading by a solitary goal at the change of ends, the home side pumped in another three in the second after Dibba had managed to equalize within two minutes of the re-start.
The full points helped the defending champions leapfrog Al Wasl into third place behind early leaders Al Shabab (12 points) and Abu Dhabi’s Al Jazira in second with nine points. However, Al Ahli still has played one match less after their game against Al Ain was re-scheduled for the first half of December to accommodate The Boss’ involvement in the AFC Champions League earlier this month.
In an earlier match on Saturday, Bani Yas continued their dismal start to the season as they sunk to their third defeat, this time a 2-3 result against minnows Hatta to remain in the relegation zone with just one point. Hatta, on the other hand, climbed into a respectable fifth place with seven points.
Expectedly, Al Ahli took their time to settle in. And that, in turn, resulted with them struggle in getting past a staunch visiting defence line. But, making his presence felt after limited playing time spent with the UAE national team Esmail Al Hammadi put the home team ahead during first half injury period.
But their joy was short-lived as Khalifa Salem brought the visitors on level terms just two minutes into the second half. After the equalizer, it was all Al Ahli as Asamoah Gyan put them ahead one minute after the hour, and South Korean Kwon Kyung made it 3-1 in the 64th minute. Not to be left out, Rodrigo Lima got his scoring touch back with a goal of his own in the 69th minute to complete the dominating win, who now remain in eleventh position on the table with just a couple of points.
Results
(On Saturday)
Bani Yas v Hatta 2-3
Al Ahli v Dibba 4-1
