New life was breathed into the Arabian Gulf League title race as Maicosuel’s late strike helped Sharjah to an invaluable 3-2 victory against leaders Al Ain on Friday.
Maicosuel, 29, danced through the Boss defence on 80 minutes to calmly side foot home the winner. The former Udinese midfielder’s effort settled a chaotic contest in which the high-flying visitors had twice come from behind because of deadly striker Wanderley’s efforts.
The loss – Al Ain’s first in nine top-flight matches – means 2013/14 champions Al Ahli can go level on points if they win at second-bottom Al Dhafra on Sunday.
Wanderley gave the hosts a 1-0 lead at Sharjah Stadium as he smashed home a terrific shot. A frantic second half saw veteran midfielder Ibrahim Diaky level from distance, before Wanderley headed in his 11th goal this term.
Substitute Saeed Al Kathiri nodded in a leveller soon after, before Atletico Mineiro loanee Maicosuel stylishly sealed a valuable win for relegation-threatened Sharjah.
Elsewhere, Dibba Al Fujairah continue to excel on their return to the top-flight as Tareq Ahmed and Boris Kabi secured an impressive 2-0 triumph against Al Shabab.
Midfielder Ahmed first converted a penalty on 66 minutes after centre-back Mohammed Marzooq tripped Kabi, before the Ivorian striker took advantage of another Marzooq mistake to slot home a second.