Al Wahda-Al Ain fixture ends in goalless draw

Abu Dhabi - Both sides were depleted with a number of players on international duty and though they had number of chances, more so Al Wahda, the Group B fixture ended in a stalemate. Al Ain goalkeeper Mahmoud Al Mas, standing in for Khalid Eisa, was the star of the night, pulling off a flurry of saves.

 Al Wahda and Al Ain played out a goalless draw in the Arabian Gulf Cup at the Al Nahyan Stadium on Friday night.
Both sides were depleted with a number of players on international duty and though they had number of chances, more so Al Wahda, the Group B fixture ended in a stalemate. Al Ain goalkeeper Mahmoud Al Mas, standing in for Khalid Eisa, was the star of the night, pulling off a flurry of saves.
This was Al Wahda's third draw and they are on three points, while Al Ain have two points from three games. Al Wahda began well and were awarded a freekick before the clock hit 10 minutes but former Arsenal midfielder Denilson's curling effort sailed over the cross bar.
They had another opportunity on 24 minutes when Sebastian Tagliabue came close but Al Ain defender Salem Al Azizi did well to deny the Argentine.
Al Ain had a freekick just before the half-hour mark after Ryan Babel was brought down on the edge of the box. But Fellipe Bastos, couldn't make it count. Al Wahda then had a flurry of chances later on and in the 40th minute, the impressive youngster Amer Omar saw his attempt deflected for a corner.
 Sultan Al Ghafri was spot on with the corner but his effort was pushed away by goalkeeper Mahmoud Al Mas. Amer Omar, who was lurking around, pounced on it and shot but his attempt from close range was saved. Al Ain had a chance later but captain Ibrahim Diaky's attempt was palmed away by goalkeeper Ali Al Hosani. Al Ain had a chance again two minutes after the break but Ali Al Hosani denied Bastos.
Al Wahda had the best opportunity on 55 minutes as they went on the counter through substitute Khalid Bawazir. He fed Amer Omar, who set it up well for Tagliabue. But the Argentine's strike was well saved by Mahmoud Al Mas. Bawazir then missed one later on as his effort brushed the cross bar and went over. Mahmoud Al Mas then thwarted Sultan Saif's long ranger.
james@khaleejtimes.com