Ahli pip Wasl to stay in title hunt; Emirates win

Dubai - Elsewhere, Emirates eased past promoted Fujairah with a 3-1 victory at the Fujairah Stadium.

Al Ahli stayed in hunt for the title following their 1-0 narrow home victory over city rivals Al Wasl in a closely contested clash in the 17th round of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) at Rashid Sadium on Friday evening. The AFC Player of The Year Ahmed Khalil fired home the all-important goal of the fast-paced encounter from a free kick on the mouth of the box in the 38th minute of the first half.
"If one goal is enough, why two?" exclaimed Al Ahli defender Salmin Khamis during a post-match chat when asked about their failure to earn a comfortable win.
We have created plenty of scoring opportunities without much success in the final touch," he added.
However, the Red Knights have temporarily advanced to the top spot pending the outcome of the Abu Dhabi derby featuring front runners Al Ain against Al Wahda in the late night match at the iconic Hazza bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain City.
"We have played a big match," noted Al Ahli international midfielder Majid Hassan.
"I don't agree that a narrow win would mean that a team did not play well," Hassan also defended his teammate Moussa Sow saying that he is a great striker and will score in the upcoming matches.
It is a matter of bad luck only. It is true that Sow has missed at least two scoring opportunities that have come in his way, but this is not the end of the world," he added.
In the meantime, Al Wasl's forward Hazza Salem admitted that they have lost a game which they could have won. "I think we have tried our best, and when you don't score you will concede goals and lose," he said.
Elsewhere, Emirates eased past promoted Fujairah with a 3-1 victory at the Fujairah Stadium.
An early goal from Mohammad Malalla and a double from Alassane Diallo secured another vital three points for Paulo Comelli's side. Fujairah remain on 19 points as a result of the home defeat, whilst Emirates climb level with their opponents onto 19.