Al Ahli’s mission to regain their Arabian Gulf League crown is almost complete.
A significant hurdle was cleared on Sunday night as Al Nasr were beaten 1-0 in a tight Dubai derby. Avoid defeat on Friday to ailing Bani Yas and the perfect riposte to last term’s pathetic title defence will have been provided, with a game to spare.
They had record-buy Moussa Sow to thank, once again. The Senegal forward made another repayment on the €17 million (Dh70m) fee which bought him from Fenerbahce last summer, calmly tucking away a 49th-minute penalty for his 15th goal in 29 appearances.
“We make one more step in front,” said Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu. “But the title is not decided and we have to be concentrated and have a good performance in the next stage.
“I told the players before the match ‘the title, you can touch it and feel it, now it’s up to you if you want to take it’. It depends only on us.”
This was also a profound result for the Blue Wave. A two-point deficit has opened up to Al Wahda in the battle to secure the third-and-final qualification spot for the 2017 AFC Champions League through the top flight.
Boss Ivan Jovanovic was frustrated to see his side no longer in control of their destiny.
He said: “The third position is not in our hands, we have to fight for third in the league and to qualify for the next stage in the Champions League. I would be happier if we could decide our chances of finishing third due to our results.”
Ahli kicked off knowing they could not dethrone holders Al Ain at Al Maktoum Stadium, after they had seen off already-relegated minnows Al Shaab 3-0 in the earlier match.
An opening half of few opportunities played out. Brazil striker Nilmar – ill-suited to Nasr’s direct approach – misjudged the flight of a devilish cross from right-back Ahmed Al Yassi, while excellent winger Ismail Al Hammadi produced a fine save from Ahmed Shambieh in injury time.
Ahli’s breakthrough finally came just after the interval. Reigning AFC Asian Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil was bundled over by Al Yassi in the act of crossing, referee Adel Al Naqbi going back to award the penalty which Sow consummately converted.
The Blue Wave waited until the 89th minute to show any real fight back. Substitute Salem Saleh was inches away from a leveller, his header from Mahmoud Khamis’ free-kick crashing off the crossbar.
With that, their Asian ambitions were dampened as confirmation of Ahli’s domestic dominance neared.