Iranian fire power wins the day for Al Shabab

Dubai: Iranians Javad Kazemian and Eman Moabali scored once in each half while Mamadou Dialou fetched a consolation goal as Al Shabab edged out leadership contenders Al Jazira 2-1 to stay at the top of the etisalat UAE National Football League on Tuesday.

The full points were crucial for the Dubai side after they had slipped into a second place behind Al Shaab in the standings following the Sharjah team's 2-1 win against former champions Al Ain on Monday.

Al Shabab now have 25 points to regain their top spot at the turn of the competition, while Al Shaab are now second with 23 points and Al Jazira third with 21 points.

The hero of the evening was undoubtedly Iranian Kazemian, who opened the scoring with his fifth goal for Al Shabab this season.

Kazemian, one of the more successful foreign professionals in the UAE last season while playing on loan with Al Shaab, has been struggling to find form with his new club.

Prior to this crucial match that was to decide the leader at the midway stage of the competition, Kazemian had promised to deliver for his new club.

He did live up to his promise and the expectations of the club supporters with one of the sweetest strikes that brought the encounter alive after a dull start.

For the record, last season Brazilian Anderson Barbosa and Iranian Ali Samareh were tied for the topscorer award with 18 goals, while Kazemian was third best with 12 goals while playing on loan for Al Shaab after turning out in the 2006 Fifa World Cup.

However, this year has been a bit of a disappointment for the 25-year-old as he has struggled to find the right form and the goals.

His post-goal celebration said it all as he tossed off his jersey on the ground and hugged his teammates in joy while referee Mohammad Omar waited patiently to flash him the yellow card that he duly 'accepted' with a bow.

Al Shabab doubled their lead in the 57th minute, this time from the spot after Saleh Obaid had brought down Brazilian David Ferreira as he accepted a pass from Salim Sa'ad and went in to score.

The Al Shabab supporters' joy was somewhat muted as Malian pro Mamadou Diallou turned one in past Esmail Rabea to make it 2-1.

Al Jazira went all out for an equaliser, but Al Shabab's Brazilian coach Toninho Cerezo urged his boys to hold possession and that pegged Al Jazira down to playing second fiddle to the Dubai side.

With former Dutch skipper Philip Cocu out of form, Ebrahim Diyaki and Toni tried to have a clear look at the Al Shabab goal, but in vain.

In another match, Al Dhafra scored a 2-1 win against Hatta to take their tally to 13 points and drift away from the relegation zone.

Results
Al Shabab 2 Al Jazira 1
Al Dhafra 2 Hatta 1