Al Ahli win President's Cup

Al Ahli have been crowned President's Cup champions after two first half goals from their Brazilian summer recruit Cesar Clederson propelled them to a 2-0 win over reigning champions Al Wasl in the final at the Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The Red Devils got off to a cracking start and raced to a two goal lead within the first 15 minutes of the all Dubai clash. Ali Abbas was brought down inside the box in the 13th minute by Al Wasl's Yasir Salem and referee Khalid Al Dhoky had little hesitation in pointing to the spot. Cesar fired his penalty past UAE number one Majid Nasser to put Al Ahli in front but the Brazilian midfielder had another surprise for Ze Mario's side moments later.

Spotting Nasser off his line, Cesar went for goal from almost 40 yards out and was handsomely rewarded as the Al Ahli fans went into delirium.

Al Wasl threw men forward in a desperate attempt to get back into the game but were wasteful with the chances they managed to create.

Al Ahli could also have added to their tally as they looked to put the game beyond their opponent's reach on the counter but Faisal Khalil was guilty of wayward finishing on at least a couple of occasions.

Eventually, Cesar's first-half brace proved to be enough in the end to hand Al Ahli the winner's cheque of Dh5million. Al Wasl went home with Dh2million.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai attended the final and later handed the cup to Al Ahli Club Chairman, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.

The match was also watched by General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and a number of Shaikhs, ministers, top officials and sportsmen.