Abu Dhabi: Things are really heating up at the top of the leaderboard in the Arabian Gulf League with the points lead changing hand several times last week.
Al Wahda, who had staked a strong claim upfront following their impressive 20-match unbeaten run (10 from last season), suffered two back-to-back loses against Al Ain and Al Ahli and the battle for supremacy is now wide open.
Al Jazira currently have a one-point edge over second-placed Al Ain after they squandered a two-goal lead but came back with an injury-time winner to take all three points for a thrilling 4-3 victory against Al Shabab.
However, it is unlikely that Al Jazira would hold on to their position for long since resurgent Al Ain have played two games lesser than the rest.
Monday’s action saw defending champions Al Ahli script an important 2-1 victory away against 10-man Al Wahda. Ahmad Khalil and Esmail Al Hammadi provided the goals either side of a Damian Diaz penalty after Al Wahda had been reduced to 10 men as early as in 10th minute. The result now puts Al Ahli (19 points) in sixth spot while Al Wahda remain on 22 points and have slipped to third place.
Al Wahda’s coach Jose Peseiro, who was in charge of Saudi Arabia from 2009 to 2011, was also all praise for Al Ahli’s Cosmin Olaroiu - who will be on a sabbatical and take charge of Saudi Arabia in the Asian Cup next month.
“Cosmin has worked in Saudi Arabia with Al Hilal before, and he will be aware of the challenges. He is one of the most successful managers in the UAE in recent times, and I don’t see why he cannot be successful with the Saudi national team. I can only wish him good luck.”
