Abu Dhabi: Al Ahli trounced Al Jazira 3-1 in the last match of the 22nd week of the Arabian Gulf League on Sunday to move to within one point of clinching the title.
The Dubai-based club continued their winning streak while their nearest rivals continued to lose points. They now have 54 points, 12 more than Al Shabab in second place, with four games left to play.
Al Ahli will face Al Wasl in their next match on April 10 at Rashid Stadium, when they will hope to take revenge for the defeat they suffered earlier in the season. The Red Knights’ only other league defeat was to Al Dhafra because of an administrative mistake, despite them winning the match.
Cosmin Olaroiu’s side are showing the characteristics of champions as they are winning matches even when not at their best. Against Al Jazira, they were dominated for most of the match by the home team but scored two goals in as many minutes. Ahmad Khalil and Basheer Saeed both scored just before half-time to catch Al Jazira napping.
Grafite sealed the result from the spot in the 48th minute before Jucilei scored Al Jazira’s consolation goal four minutes from time.
Al Ahli will meet Al Jazira again on April 19 in the final of the Arabian Gulf Cup, as they remain on course for three domestic titles this season — they will also play the President’s Cup final against Al Ain next month.
Al Shabab, who had high hopes of competing for the title with their neighbours, have now lost two matches in a row, surprisingly against bottom team Dubai and at home against Al Wahda this week.
A late goal from Sebastian Tagliabue decided the game, but Al Shabab still have a great chance of featuring in the AFC Champions League by staying second ahead of rivals Al Jazira, Al Wahda, Al Nasr and Al Ain.
Al Shaab remain bottom after losing at Al Dhafra and they and Dubai, who earned a draw at Ajman, look doomed to relegation.
