Defending champions back on track with win

Dubai: Defending champions Al Ahli have at last managed to rightfully be where they belong at the end of the sixth round of the Etisalat UAE National Football League.

The Red Devils have taken their time to kick off, registering their third successive win in as many weeks with a powerful 3-1 showing against visiting Al Jazira on Tuesday.

The league now takes a 10-day break to accommodate the UAE's Asian Cup qualifier against Pakistan on November 15. And with the cream of the players with the national team for Asian Cup duty, the UAE Football Association has decreed the second round matches of the FA Cup competition to be held next Sunday.

Slow start Al Ahli have been slow off the blocks this season, especially with the pressure of successfully defending the title they won after 26 long years. After their first round 1-3 shock defeat to Fujairah, Al Ahli have shown vast improvement over the past few weeks proving they are made of champion material.

While there is wholesome worry over the form of their Bulgarian signing Martin Kamburov, Mohammad Qasim has done well to marsall a tight defence, giving opponents bare little space.

Al Ahli have not been the only top side late off the blocks. Former champions Al Wahda have been showing an indifferent form this season, starting with their 2-0 loss to Emirates in the opening week in September.

But they did well to secure full points with a narrow 1-0 home win against arch-rivals Al Ain, only to stutter to a 1-1 draw against early leaders Al Wasl this week.

Despite the adversities of missing out on both their foreign pros last week, Al Wahda have done well to take the one point and stay in the upper half of the standings.

The major worry this season has undoubtedly been for former AFC League Champions Al Ain as they continue to struggle for points. After six matches, Al Ain are a poor tenth in the 12-team line-up with a mere five points to their credit.

Ironic result Last week, they played to a goalless draw at home to Al Nasr - an ironic result considering that the Dubai club too has been plagued with scoring problems despite having the fleet Iranian duo of Farhad Majidi and Arash Borhani.

Al Shabab has been yet another club whose talent has not reflected on their on-field performances yet. After six matches, Al Shabab - the only club in the UAE with the unique triple of President's Cup, UAE League and the GCC Champions titles - is just one place away on goal difference from bottom placed Fujairah.

The eight-day break for the league will hopefully help the players re-charge and coaches re-think their strategies when the league resumes on November 19.