Al Jazira eliminate Kalba

Mussalem Fayez (5) of Al Jazira heads the ball.

Al Jazira continued their good run as they thrashed Ittihad Kalba 2-0 in the President's Cup Round 16 at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium on Monday.
The Abu Dhabi club are the table toppers in the Arabian Gulf League and have started their President's Cup title defence in great style.
It was strikers Ahmed Al Attas (59) and Ali Mabkhout (83) who turned things around in the second half.
The first half was barren but not without chances.
There were early chances in the form of Mabkhout but the striker failed to beat the Kalba goalkeeper with a low shot. Kalba, too, had their chances but their strikers couldn't convert on the passes from Brazilian player Ciel.
It was in the second half that the 'Pride of Abu Dhabi' scored. In the 59th minute, Al Attas met a free kick taken by Mbark Boussoufa. In reply, Ciel almost got the equaliser from a free-kick but Al Jazira goalkeeper Ali Khaseif did well to parry it away over the post.
Moments later, the Brazilian tried a long-ranger that missed the target by a whisker.
And against the run of play, Mabkhout made it 2-0. He made a mockery of defenders and with class touches scored what was a sensational goal.
Mabkhout is in fine form and his scoring appetite is something that has seen the team do well in league too.
Meanwhile, in another game, Brazilian midfielder Fabio Lima scored in the 50th and 85th minute as Al Wasl outclassed Baniyas, a team struggling to fight relegation in the Arabian Gulf League this season. The match in the Garden City of Al Ain also was goalless in the first half and it was a brace from the Brazilian star that helped Al Wasl tame Baniyas. The game also saw Baniyas' Sultan Al Khabil getting a red card in the 81st minute. The season could be the worst face for Baniyas, whereas, Al Wasl are in fight for league crown too.