Al Ain and Al Jazira score narrow victories

Abu Dhabi - The 'Boss' from Al Ain with this victory sit on top of Group B with nine points

Caio Fernandes scored the winner as Al Ain edged past Al Dhafra 1-0 in the Round Four of the Arabian Gulf Cup at Tahnon bin Mohamed Stadium on Monday.
Al Ain with this victory sit on top of Group B with nine points. The 'Boss' from Al Ain are closely followed by Dubai side Al Nasr who are on same points and a match in hand.
It was in 27 minutes that Caio had a one-two with Saad Khamis and blazed past defenders and dipped the ball through the legs of keeper Khaled Saif Al Senaani into the right corner of the goal.
Al Ain have been in top form this season and account for two goals per match. And on the night, Al Ain did come close to doubling the score in the second half but couldn't and had to settle for a solitary goal.
In another match, Al Jazira, the Pride of Abu Dhabi, too eked out a one-goal win over Sharjah.
It was a difficult match for the visitors to Sharjah's Khaled bin Mohammed Stadium but Nacer Barazite made it count with a zipper.
Arsenal's former player made good with a long pass from Abdulla Ramadan and drilled it past the goalkeeper. The goal, a minute before the half, was enough for Al Jazira to pocket their second win of the Cup season.
More chances were created at either end and Sharjah missed few close ones. For Al Jazira, Barazite and Ramadan had chances to shut the door on Sharjah but missed with their final flourish.
However, with this win on the road, Al Jazira move to third spot with seven points. Sharjah, contrary to their stunning run in the League, remain at the bottom of the Group B.
After three outings in the Cup season, Sharjah are yet to post their first win. They lead the League table with four wins and a draw out of a total of five matches.
Sharjah got time to rethink as their next Cup assignment is next month against Al Dhafra.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com