Al Jazira beat Al Ain 2-0, take big step to League title

Abu Dhabi - Al Jazira had one big factor siding them in this quest - luck.

Al Jazira's wait for another League crown hung heavily on this game and star striker Ali Mabkhout scored a brace against Al Ain to ensure 2-0 win in the Round 21 of the Arabian Gulf League at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Wednesday night.
Al Jazira also had one big factor siding them in this quest - luck. Al Ain players failed to convert from hordes of shots. Big game specialists Caio Lucas and Omar Abdulrahman missed chances in heaps, at times, even when the goal was barren with keeper Ali Khasif out of position. Danilo Asprilla was pacey but failed to finish a job. Skipper Omar was left frustrated with the manner in which opportunities went begging.
The match lurched back as start striker Ali Mabkhout and indefatigable Mbark Boussoufa started the hunt for Al Jazira. The duo was menacing on counter attack and had some beautiful one-touch passes.
It was an entertaining first half of attacking football and the only thing missing being goals. The atmosphere was electrifying with faithful out in their thousands.
Right after the break, Omar failed to find direction with his volley inside the box. Later, defender Rashed Muhayer tested Al Jazira keeper with a long-ranger.
Al Jazira sat back for most part and when they shifted gears, Ismail Ahmed & Co checked them.
At the stroke of an hour, Asprilla needlessly collected a yellow card after pinning down Salem Rashid Obaid. Soon the Colombian was substituted with Ibrahim Diaky. Minutes after being on the field, Diaky too failed to find target when presented with a sharp opportunity in front of goal.
And against the run of play, Mabkhout scored with his pink boot. It was Boussoufa, who delivered a cross from the right that was back flicked by substitute Ailton Almeida for Mabkhout to shove it into the goal.
The closing stages saw Al Ain desperately look for an equaliser and Ismail Ahmed could find only the woodwork. Al Ain pushed forward and just then Al Jazira added one more goal as substitute Khalfan Mubarak found Mabkhout, who blasted in his 26^th of the season. Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium erupted and celebrations started. Ainawi, though, were rooted onto their seats long after the match.
Al Jazira have extended their lead over Al Ahli to six points and renewed hopes of becoming UAE's representatives in the Fifa Club World Cup UAE 2017.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
Goals:
Al Jazira (2): Ali Mabkhout (82, 90+)
Al Ain (0):