Al Ahli will have to wait to book their place in the semi-finals of the Arabian Gulf Cup after being held to a dull 0-0 draw against 10-man Bani Yas on Monday.

Victory for the Red Knights would have guaranteed a place in the knockouts but fate is still in their hands. They can join Group A leaders Al Wasl with three points against Al Dhafra in their final match next Wednesday.

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It was a much-changed Ahli side with coach Cosmin Olaroiu making eight changes, Salmin Khamis, Habib Al Fardan and Majed Hassan, the only survivors from their 3-0 defeat to Arabian Gulf League (AGL) leaders Al Ain on Saturday.

Already eliminated, it was no surprise that Bani Yas coach Luis Garcia fielded a second-string side with first-team stars Mark Milligan and Joaquin Larrivey demoted to the bench.

With breezy conditions in Abu Dhabi, both sides struggled to find any breakthrough on goal with neither goalkeeper tested in the first 20 minutes.

Seven minutes from the first-half whistle, Ahli’s Majed Naser was forced into action, denying Fawaz Awana with a low strong right hand save.

That sparked the visitors to life and after record signing Moussa Sow, saw his shot well saved, Hassan Abdulrahman’s strike was blocked by Abel Abdubaker.

The second half began just as it ended in the first half with defenders coming out on top.

Not impressed by what he saw on the bench and with his team failing to make the most of their opportunities, the Olaroiu vented his frustration when
defender Mohamed Sabeel gave away possession just after the half hour mark.

The Romanian then added more firepower up front with the introduction of Lima and Asian Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil.

The pair, who have 15 goals between them this season, gave the Champions League finalists much needed confidence.

But still, they did not have the cutting edge in front of goal, resulting in Everton Ribeiro being brought on before Bani Yas’ Hasan Mohamed was sent off for a second yellow.