The King were in control throughout, moving two points clear of the drop zone in 10th thanks to their first-half goals.

Walter Zenga’s hosts now possess a paltry six points from their 19 fixtures, with an instant return to UAE Division 1 Group A just a matter of time.

The deadlock was broken in the 18th minute from January recruit Ricardinho. The playmaker rounded goalkeeper Obaid Altawila and stroked home after excellent hold-up play from Wanderley.

The star striker was soon to get on the score sheet, volleying home a tap-in from Omar Juma’s excellent cross to move onto an excellent 11 top-flight goals this term.

The only negative for Abdulaziz Al Anbari’s visitors was the injury to key playmaker Maicosuel 10 minutes after the interval.

Meanwhile, Al Dhafra notched a second-successive victory to escape the bottom two at the expense of relegation rivals Emirates Club.

Mohammed Kwid’s visitors took an early lead through Syria forward Omar Khribin’s fine header. Their lead was to last only two minutes as former Australia and Al Nasr midfielder Brett Holman swept home.

The decider came in the 56th minute, UAE forward Ahmed Ali dancing through the defence before smashing into the top corner.