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Shabab Al Ahli end long drought with 2-0 win

Ras Al Khaimah - The Al Quasis club were in the midst of a poor run which saw them winless over 10 fixtures, the spell stretching back to October

Shabab Al Ahli put an end to a long drought in the Arabian Gulf League with a 2-0 victory over Emirates in Ras Al Khaimah on Friday night.
The Al Quasis club were in the midst of a poor run which saw them winless over 10 fixtures, the spell stretching back to October.
They had drawn eight games and lost two during the period but the finally got up and running with their fourth win, Mahdi Ali's first since being appointed coach, as well as their first win this year.
Ismail Al Hammadi scored the first, reacting quickly to tuck in the rebound after Walid Abbas' effort had hit the woodwork, after which January arrival Croatian Ante Erceg scored his first for his new club, at the Emirates Club Stadium.
Incidentally, Shabab Al Ahli's last win before the dry run was against Emirates, a 4-0 victory in Week 4, when Romanian tactician Cosmin Olaroiu was at the helm.
The victory moved the Dubai club from seventh to fourth in the standings with 20 points but they could cede that position with Al Nasr, Ajman and Al Jazira all set to play later on Saturday.
Elsewhere, in Sharjah, Hatta defeated Sharjah 3-1.
There were some initial forays by Shabab Al Ahli in the opening minutes but it was Emirates who came close through Khaled Ambar eight minutes in. But his effort from the right of the box was saved by shot stopper and captain Majed Naser.
Ismail Al Hammadi's quick reflexes helped Shabab Ali Ahli break the deadlock on 17 minutes after Abbas' attempt from the left had hit the post.
Emirates could have cancelled that out three minutes later but Ahmed Malalla drilled his shot over from the top of the box after he had shaken off his marker.
Shabab Al Ahli could have added cushion to their lead just before the break after Erceg had sent a neat through to Waleed Ambar inside the box. But the latter's effort was thwarted by goalkeeper and captain Ahmed Al Shaji.
Emirates had a good chance to go level on 66 minutes but substitute Yousef Kalfa fluffed it by shooting it just over the cross bar.
But Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, who were a bit depleted, missing Makhete Diop and Henrique Luvannor through injuries and Khamis Ismail suspended, were not to be denied the win with Erceg adding insurance to the scoreline with a neat left-footer on 76 minutes.
james@khaleejtimes.com