It is not often a pressurised game played by struggling Arabian Gulf League champions against a challenger to the crown can seem such a sideshow.

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This was the state of affairs last night as Al Ahli's title defence received a jolt against 10-man Al Wahda, winger Ismail Al Hammadi's measured sliced shot from distance securing a much-needed win.

The focus of attention rested on Red Knights boss Cosmin Olaroiu. Rampant speculation about a novel month-long loan deal to guide Saudi Arabia at January's Asian Cup was made real by official a communication during the 90 minutes.

This was a gesture of good will between the nations made by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Al-Ahli.

The high level of the request would explain why the Dubai-outfit would acquiesce about a man whom they recruited from Al Ain in such controversial circumstances barely more than a year ago.

But, the speed of the decline from treble winners to also-rans this term creates intrigue.

Whether a permanent divorce will come in time is yet to be seen. Hints at the ending of a once-successful relationship have come in droves, the drop to eighth place and rancorous ditching of playmaker Hugo Viana for now-released acolyte Mirel Radoi proving influential.

Ahli have been a pale imitation of the side that finished 16 points ahead of the top-flight competition in May. A break could reignite both player and manager, or herald a new path to the future.

The challenge of returning to the nation where he lifted the Saudi Professional League and two Crown Prince Cups at Al Hilal from 2007-09 was simply too good a deal to turn down for Olaroiu.

The holders came away with three points from Al Nahyan Stadium last night, though this was a neutered display that has become all too typical. Sterile possession kept Their Excellencies in the match, a lack of concentration at the back leading to a leveller.

The defining incident occurred on 10 minutes. A flicked Habib Fardan header on the half-way line played the outstanding Al Hammadi in, his charge inside the penalty box ended by a hack from last man Adel Hermach.

The Morocco midfielder was correctly dismissed, Ahmed Khalil showing remarkable composure to chip a 'Panenka' penalty at the second attempt after a re-take.

Rather than take control, Ahli sunk back. Their reticence transferred to UAE right-back Abdelaziz Sanqour, his failure to clear a poor Salem Saleh pass leading to Damian Diaz being felled inside the area by irate goalkeeper Majed Nasser.

The Argentine playmaker forced the contact, paying no heed to the prolonged appeals to power his penalty down the middle.

Few chances followed in a match Wahda controlled for large spells despite their numerical disadvantage.

The deciding strike came from nowhere. Little seemed on when Al Hammadi picked up the ball 30 yards from goal, the quality of his out-swinging effort worthy of settling any match.

Where both sides go from here is key. This was the second defeat in a week for Wahda against fellow title chasers, Wednesday's 4-0 thrashing by Al Ain more chastening.

A new dawn, however temporary, now awaits Ahli away from Olaroiu's watch.