Abu Dhabi: Al Ahli increased their lead at the top of the Arabian Gulf League to six points during the fifth week of competition as their nearest rivals, Al Shabab and Bani Yas, both lost.
Al Ahli beat Emirates Club 4-2, capitalising once again on their superior physical condition that has helped them to settle many of their matches in the closing minutes. This time Ciel scored in the 87th minute and Grafite in the 95th to win a match that was tied at 2-2 with time running out. The goals from the two Brazlians ensured Al Ahli kept their perfect record with a full 15 points.
Al Nasr were the biggest winners this week, beating Bani Yas 4-3 to advance to second place on nine points following a first-class performance from striker Ebrahima Toure, who scored a hat-trick.
Reigning champions Al Ain and other title contenders Al Wahda and Al Jazira all emerged with just one point each as the Abu Dhabi derbies between Al Wahda and Al Ain and Al Dhafra and Al Jazira both ended 1-1.
Meanwhile, Al Shaab registered their first win this season, beating Al Shabab 2-1 to climb off the bottom and leave Dubai Club and Emirates in the relegation zone. But Al Shaab coach Marius Sumudica should be grateful for his veteran custodian Mutaz Abdullah, who kept the visitors at bay.
Al Ahli and second-placed Al Nasr will have real tests next week, when the leaders travel to Bani Yas and Al Nasr visit Al Ain.
There will also be a relegation scrap in Ras Al Khaimah as Emirates host Al Shaab in a battle between two sides with just three points to their name so far this season. The result will have a big effect on the futures of coaches Sumudica and Eid Baroot.
