Champions Al Ahli kept their slim Arabian Gulf Cup hopes alive after breezing past under-strength Fujairah in last night’s Group B clash.
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The 2-0 victory for the Red Knights, secured via first-half goals from Saeed Jassim and Mohamed Sabeel, saw them move into second place on 10 points with all their fixtures completed.
They will require results to go their way in the final round of matches this weekend, which they sit out, to secure a top-two finish and progress to the semi-finals.
At Al Nahyan Stadium, three goals in the first 49 minutes sealed a 3-0 win for Bani Yas over Al Wahda.
The result means Al Ahli are going to require a heavy defeat for Bani Yas in their final Group B game against Al Dhafra to stand any chance of proceeding to the semi-finals on goal difference.
Ahli’s bid to secure an enlivening result at Rashid Stadium was boosted after Fujairah selected an Under-21s side. Coach Ivan Hasek was away with the senior side at a training camp in Turkey, while star centre-back Madjid Bougherra is with Algeria preparing for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.
Ahli were without a number of UAE Asian Cup stars and injured Chile playmaker Luis Jimenez, though they made light work of their inexperienced opponents.
A bright start was rewarded in the 24th minute when lone striker Saeed Jassim dove bravely to head in a Saeed Ahmed cross. Fahad Khameis added before the break.
Meanwhile, veteran Ibrahim Diaky struck two late goals to secure a 3-1 win for Al Ain in an inconsequential Group A match against fellow AGC strugglers Ajman.