Al Wahda striker Sebastian Tagliabue’s lethal form continued as his double ensured new Al Dhafra boss Mohammed Kwid suffered an opening 3-0 defeat on Friday.

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The 30-year-old extended his lead at the top of the Arabian Gulf League scoring charts as he moved onto an impressive 12 goals in nine top-flight appearances.

His contribution continued the Clarets’ revival and pushed them up into fourth – the final Asian qualification spot. Veteran forward

Ismail Matar got the hosts to the perfect start, smashing in from the edge of the area in the fourth minute.

The match was finely poised at the break after Tagliabue was denied an opener by the post, but the Argentine was not to be kept out for long. He outmuscled Iraq centre-back Ahmad Ibrahim to slot in during the 46th minute, marking his return from suspension at the death by racing through unopposed to grab his second.

Kwid’s debut for his third spell in charge of the Western Knights was made more miserable as Abdalla Al Naqbi was dismissed for two yellow cards and Sharjah’s surprise 2-1 victory against 10-man Al Wasl in the night’s other match saw them dumped into the relegation zone.

The King fought back from a goal down thanks to Brazilian striker Wanderley’s double, gifting interim coach Abdulaziz Al Anbari his first victory at the second time of asking.