Sangahor strike wins capital derby for Al Ain

Abu Dhabi: Andre Sangahor's 73rd minute goal gave former Asian Club champions Al Ain three crucial points against arch rivals Al Wahda in an Abu Dhabi derby at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Monday night.

The win helped Al Ain maintain their unbeaten record and move into second place, one point behind leaders Al Ahli and one point ahead of close contenders Al Jazira.

It was Al Wahda's second loss in seven games and a major setback to their title aspirations though they are in fourth place in the 12-team pack chasing the inaugural title of UAE's Pro League champions.

Dubbed the Abu Dhabi Classico it was a much-awaited encounter which drew a sizable number of fans from both sides but the battle on the pitch never really rose to expected levels.

Al Ain's feared Chilean star Jorge Valdivia was well marked by Mahmoud Khamis and with their other two imports Soufiane Alloudi (injury) and Andre Diaz (suspension) missing, it was their under-23 pro Andre Sangahor who hogged the limelight with the winner.

Good start

Al Wahda did start well but Karim Aouadi and Abdul Rahim Juma were thwarted early by Moataz Abdulla, the in-form Al Ain custodian.

Sangahor, the lean Senegalese striker, tested Ali Rabiya under the Wahda bar with a firm drive while Ali Al Waheebi impressed on the right flank for Al Ain.

Al Wahda, a team comprising some of the best UAE talent, somehow failed to play their usual flowing football and while Esmail Mattar and Pinga working hard up front their midfield stuttered for most of the match.

A draw looked a fair result and the match seemed to be heading in that direction, but he Al Wahda defenders let through a long ball and Sangahor found himself unmarked in the box.

Ali Rabiya could not do much as Sangahor slammed home and coach Winfried Schaffer also ballistic in the stands.

The home supporters got their chance to celebrate when Alecsandro Barbosa headed home in the 83rd minute but their joy was cut short as the goal was ruled offside.

Schaffer will surely savour this win which not only boosts his team's tally but deprives a strong contender of three points.

Three seasons ago

Three seasons ago he watched his team Al Ahli from the stands as they won a play-off against Al Wahda to lift the League title.

On Monday he said: "This time I am keen to see Al Ain win the League as it will give me a chance to meet His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Ruler of Abu Dhabi."

Al Wahda started well but Karim Aouadi and Abdul Rahim Juma were thwarted early by Moataz Abdulla. Sangahor tested Ali Rabiya under the Wahda bar with a firm drive while Ali Al Waheebi impressed on the right flank for Al Ain.