Dubai: Al Nasr coach Ivan Jovanovic believes his team can get better and make a serious attempt at winning the title in the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) this season.

Al Nasr scored once in each half to tame defending champions Al Ahli 2-1 in 10th week action of the AGL late on Friday. And that win has given Jovanovic a belief that his team can challenge for the title at an opportune time.

After absorbing the initial pressure, Al Ahli surged ahead through a lovely finish from national team striker Ahmad Khalil in the 23rd minute. But the visitors were unable to carry forward this narrow lead into the second half as Al Nasr equalised in the 45th minute through a superb long-range goal from Australian Brett Hollman.

The home team found a matchwinner in Ebrahima Toure when the lanky Senegalese striker was in the right place inside the area to volley home in the 74th minute past an out-of-position Majid Nasser in the Al Ahli goal.

With the 11th round scheduled for December 9 and 10, Al Wahda are at the top of the standings with 22 points, just one point shy of second-placed Al Jazira and Al Shabab in third with 19 points. Al Nasr consolidated their fourth place with 18 points ahead of former champions Al Ain who are with 17.

“As a coach I am happy we beat a strong team like Al Ahli. But I also know we can play much better. What made me very happy was the way we played. The football was not the best, but then there have been times when we have played very well and not won. So I believe this is a team that has to always try and improve all the time,” Jovanovic said.

“What we can take from this game is the win, the great effort put in by all the players to achieve this win and the way we played our football,” he added.

Last week, Al Ahli went down at home to a solitary goal loss to Emirates Club, while Al Nasr had held Al Ain 1-1 on the road. “If I can combine these two games [versus Al Ain and Al Ahli] then I know exactly what is to be done with this bunch of players. Matches like these give me great satisfaction, strength and courage for the upcoming challenges,” Jovanovic said.

“It was important for us to win this game and keep up the pressure on the leading teams. I want my team to improve in a certain direction and these two matches have given me a lot of hope,” he added.