Abu Dhabi: Reigning champions Al Ahli moved a step closer to winning a record ninth President’s Cup title as they reached the quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over Emirates 3-1 on Tuesday.
Sharjah, who share the current record of eight President’s Cup wins with Al Ahli, were trounced 4-1 by Al Ain despite taking the lead When Ze Carlos put them ahead as early as the fourth minute. But Al Ain came back strongly and Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan scored the first of goal his hat-trick to level the scores.
The match was finely balanced until Sharjah defender Mauricio Ramos scored an own goal and Al Ain went on to score two more through Gyan after Shaheen Abdul Rahman had been sent off for two yellow cards in the 81st minute.
In Dubai, Grafite scored twice and Walid Abbas once as Al Ahli saw off Emirates, who were led by Brazilian coach Paulo Sergio for the first time after he replaced Eid Baroot. German Herrera scored his team’s consolation goal.
Al Wahda avenged their Arabian Gulf League defeat in the Abu Dhabi derby as they beat Al Jazira with a single goal scored by Sebastian Tagliabue from a Mahmoud Khamis cross in the 43rd minute.
But Tagliabue and Al Jazira’s Yasir Matar could face disciplinary action after a scuffle broke out following the final whistle.
Al Dhafra came from behind to beat Bani Yas 2-1 following a perfect combination between winger Bandar Al Ahbabi and striker Makhete Diop.
Habboush Saleh put Bani Yas into the lead in the first half, but Al Ahbabi created both goals for Senegalese Diop to head home.
Amateur side Al Dhaid are the surprise members of the quarter final line-up after beating Al Shaab 6-5 in a penalty shootout after the two teams were tied 2-2 after extra time.
