The unexpectedly disappointing result upset the big crowd of the die-hard fans at the purple venue to see their club drop back to the second position and settle two points off the pace behind front runners Al Jazira.

Meanwhile, UAE coach Mahdi Ali led Al Ahli to a 2-1 winning start against arch rivals Al Nasr at Al Maktoum Stadium here on Friday night. Ahmed Khalil drew first blood for defending champions Al Ahli from a lrebound in the 27^th minute and Iman Mobali levelled the result after the break with a long range shot. Towards the 64^th minute Al Ahli midfielder Yousuf Jaber netted the winner from the spot.

“The result of the game was very crucial for our campaign,” said the newly appointed coach Mahdi Ali who took over from the outgoing Romanian manager Ioan Indone. Al Ahli have been passing through difficult times after their awkward start of the season. “We have been advised by many people to pull out of the forthcoming FIFA Club World Cup, but I don’t think this is the right way to look into the matter.

“It’s true that at least seven of our key players are either injured or recovering from injuries including top striker Faisal Khalil and Egyptian playmaker Hosny Abd Rabo. And although this is a terrible situation for all coaches, I will take from the most positive angle by preparing more players from the second eleven or even the U-19 squad,” Ali promised. “We are now nine points off the pace and we need to do more in order to close the gap with pace setters and revive our chances in defending our title or at least finish in the top four to secure a berth in the AFC Champions League,” he added.

Al Ahli’s skipper Hassan Ali Ebrahim, who had some differences with the Romanian coach And one, said he was pleased to see the long awaited change happening. “I don’t challenge the competence of Andone. He’s a great coach,” said the brilliant midfielder who has been sidelined by Andone since the start of the season.

“What have changed is the fighting spirit of the players. Let’s hope for the better with new coach Mahdi Ali,” he added.