Sami Al Jaber’s Al Wahda reign received lift-off at the fifth time of asking as Sebastian Tagliabue’s brace against Ajman helped secure a first victory.

Al Jaber, 42, had overseen AFC Champions League elimination and three winless Arabian Gulf League fixtures since replacing Jose Peseiro last month. Three points last night were a must to ease the pressure on his shoulders and maintain the push for Asian qualification.

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Mohamed Al Shehi crossed from the right on 27 minutes, the returning Tagliabue nodding in the opener. The lead was doubled before the break, Amer Omar launching in a rasping drive. Tagliabue then saved the best until last, chipping in his 11th top-flight strike of the campaign with the last kick of the match.

Meanwhile, leaders Al Ain proved they mean business by rebounding from falling behind in the first minute to register a 5-1 thumping of Emirates Club.

The Boss, already reeling from the continued absence of prized assets Asamoah Gyan and Omar Abdulrahman, went behind almost from kick off through Mohamed Malalla. 

UAE winger Rashid Essa levelled from close range, international team-mate Ismail Ahmed then heading his side in front with a powerful header. 

Ibrahim Diaky made it three from the edge of the box after the break, Essa completing his double from a Jires Kembo Ekoko cut back before defender Mohamed Ahmad rounded off with a sensational run and finish from deep. 

Winter signing Oussama Assaidi grabbed his second goal for Al Ahli as they registered a 1-0 triumph against 10-man Al Dhafra.
The result saw Ahli stay six points behind Wahda, who possess the final Asian-qualification spot.