Dubai: Abu Dhabi clubs were the gainers at the end of fifth week action in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) over the weekend.
Former 12-time champions Al Ain and Al Wahda made the most of the opportunity that came their way as they made to the top of the standings with emphatic wins. Al Ain scored on either side of half-time to quell Emirates Club 2-0 and go to the summit with 13 points, after Al Wahda had fought back from a goal down for a 3-1 home win against Hatta to slip into second with 12 points.
Easily the better side, Al Ain got their opener through Rayan Aslam — youngest brother of former national team playmaker Rami — when the teenager placed past the home team goalkeeper in the 39th minute after receiving inside the 18 yard box from Marcus Berg. The champions doubled their advantage and pocket full points two minutes from the end when Brazilian Caio Fernandes got his first goal of the season when he pounced on a deflection from Emirates goalkeeper Ahmad Al Shaji and tapped home.
The performance of the Dubai clubs was far below expectations with Al Wasl being held goalless by defending champions Al Jazira, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai failed to find the back of the net against Sharjah in the last match of the round on Saturday night.
Chasing a positive result after a poor start to the season following three games without a win, Al Jazira did well to hold the Al Wasl’s scoring trio of Fabio De Lima, Caio Canedo and Ronaldo Mendes. The first half witnessed a host of chances, but neither side could take the lead.
In the second half, The Pride of Abu Dhabi withdrew into defensive mode and tried to soak up the pressure while preventing the visitors from having a clear look at the goal. The Cheetahs could have wrapped up full points in the very last minute when Mendes’ cross went waste and Al Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khasief did well to keep things under control.
Shabab Al Ahli Dubai’s domination counted for nothing as a resolute Sharjah managed to cling on for a point at home against the favourites in the last match late on Saturday. The visitors had 15 attempts on target, but counted for nothing as Sharjah stuck in to defend and hand incoming coach Abdul Aziz Al Anbari his first point in charge.
Much was expected from the Dubai side following their 4-0 thrashing of Emirates Club last week, but Sharjah blocked off any attempt on goal — leaving Makhete Diop frustrated till the end.
Perhaps the biggest disappointment of the week was the lame 0-1 loss of Al Nasr to hand Ajman with their first points of the season and climb into 10th place, leaving Hatta and Sharjah in the drop zone with three and two points, respectively.
The sixth round of matches will be held from October 26-28 with Shabab Al Ahli Dubai hosting Al Wahda as the highlight of the week.
