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Al Wahda shatter Al Jazira’s dream

DUBAI — The football season is not yet over, but Al Jazira’s hopes to claim a dream title remained just as dream as Al Wahda captured their fourth title with both Ajman and Emirates have already been relegated.

But there’s still something remaining for Ajman and Al Jazira to end their season on a high note. The two wounded sides will clash this weekend for the Etisalat Cup, the last of the three major titles on the FA agenda. And however it’s a low profile competition, the Etisalat Cup winner will get to play in one of the regional tournaments.

On the Super Friday, Fernando Baiano hat-trick powered Al Wahda to a resounding 3-0 away victory over hosts Sharjah to land the crown one week ahead of the end of the second edition of the country’s Pro-League.

The Maroons became the third club to qualify for the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup to be hosted by the UAEFA at the Zayed Sports City and Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium later this year for the second straight time.

In Abu Dhabi, Al Jazira came from behind to reverse their first half 0-1 deficit to a narrow 2-1 advantage against relegated Ajman.

For Ajman’s Tunisian coach Ghazi Al Gharairi, they have played with a blend of experienced players and youngsters for the Etisalat Cup’s challenge.

Ajman led most of the time and while the referee denied them what could be a correct penalty kick, he awarded their opponents a controversial penalty kick that helped Al Jazira stage a grand comeback.

In Al Ain City, the third-place finishers Al Ain beat fourth-placed promoted Bani Yas 3-1 in a thriller at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium.

Al Ain, winners of the first edition of the continent’s premier competition, the AFC Champions League, have already secured a line up in the forthcoming tournament after the UAE quota has been reduced to three instead of four.

Al Shabab did the better work at home and edged arch rivals Al Ahli 3-1 in what’s traditionally known at the Dubai Derby. Both sides have finished disappointingly at the bottom of the list after evading a possible relegation to the lower level.

Hosts Al Nasr split points with visitors Al Dhafra in a dramatic 3-3 draw at Al Maktoum Stadium. Tenorio last gasp spot equaliser saved the situation after Al Nasr trailed into 2-3 deficit by the end of the regular time.

In the final clash, Al Wasl outclassed the Emirates 5-4 in an exciting encounter at the Emirates Stadium in Ras Al Khaimah.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com