Al Shabab's success story extends

Abu Dhabi: Brazilian Toninho Cerezo became a success story in the UAE's etisalat First Division Football League after transforming Al Shabab into a winning machine this season.

The team, who finished last season mid-table in the standings, are now leading the competition, after 13 weeks, with three points more than their nearest rivals, Al Shaab, following their spectacular 4-3 away victory over Al Ain, late on Sunday night.

Cerezo made no changes to the squad that played last season, but was successful in changing the strategy and created fighters out of the same timid line-up. And with every victory the self-confidence of the team grew bigger and their enthusiasm to win the title increased.

Al Shabab have, in fact, secured the victory in the first half itself when they led 3-0 and were successful to turn the pressures on in the second when Al Ain scored twice within five minutes on resumption by scoring their fourth goal.

Even the result of the other match is favouring Al Shabab, as Al Shaab settled for a 3-3 tie with bottom-placed Emirates, Al Shabab know that they have to keep their winning run clinch the title.

Right man

"The suitable man in the suitable place," is the essence of Cerezo's successful plans this season as he used Salem Sa'ad, the team's captain and striker, in the midfield, which gave the striking duo, Jawad Kazimiyan and Sorrour Salem, great help and assist from behind and attracted the attention of the opposing defence. The move did not prevent Sa'ad from scoring beautiful goals.

Al Shaab, who were only one point behind the leaders at the end of the 12th week, squandered an easy 3-1 lead against Emirates and became three points behind the leaders, while Al Jazira scored their first victory in the last three matches and consolidated their third place with 24 points, four behind Al Shabab.

Al Jazira has the advantage of playing against both leading teams at home in the second later in the competition. They played their best ever match and trounced Sharjah 4-1 confirming their worth and justified their claim for the title.

Al Ahli are fourth with 21 points following their 3-1 win over Al Dhafra, ninth with 13 points. Brazilians Assuncao and Cesar scored the three goals.

Al Wahda are still suffering from their worst ever season in the past two decades after losing 4-1 against Al Nasr. They are placed 10th with only 13 points from as many matches. The team that finished second last season are threatened with relegation, together with Al Dhafrah, Hatta and Emirates.

Update: Al Jazira's Obaid IS mvp

Saleh Obaid, the left wingback of Al Jazira, was the Most Valuable Player in the 13th week of the competition.

Obaid, who used to do more defensive duties than offensive, was the hero of his team after two early goals that paved the way for a big 4-1 victory over Sharjah.

"The reason was that all the team played better than before and also because I was asked to play more in the attacking line." Obaid told Gulf News after the match.

"I liked the new position better and felt at home. If we continued to play in the same way, I am sure we will win more matches." Obaid added.