Al Ahli boss Cosmin Olaroiu was left worried about his players’ fitness and the fate of an injured Ciel after watching his side get their Arabian Gulf League title defence up and running with a 1-0 away victory over 10-man Sharjah.
An early strike from Ismail Al Hammadi gave Cosmin Olaroiu’s men the lead in a clash that saw Sharjah’s Shahin Abdulrahman receive a second booking in the opening minutes of the second half for a strong challenge on Ciel.
As a result of the challenge, Ciel had to be subbed off and was transferred to Rashid Hospital for an undisclosed injury that could keep him out of Ahli’s next game against Al Shabab.
“It’s strange that after we had a one-player advantage we relaxed and we missed I don’t know how many chances,” Olaroiu said after the win. “We made some mistakes and they could have scored.
“In this situation we should have acted like a big team and killed the game but anyway we got the three points.
“Sharjah is a very strong team and they showed that it will be difficult for any team to come and play in this stadium this season.
“Now I’m concerned about Ciel’s injury and some players who don’t seem to be in good shape. But I hope to solve this problem before the next game.”
Last season, Ahli had begun their campaign with seven consecutive wins and it was Sharjah who halted that streak, holding the Red Knights to a 1-1 draw at the Sharjah Stadium.
But the Kings could not spoil Ahli’s party this time.
In the 18th minute, Ciel fed Khalil in the box who in turn crossed it to Al Hammadi, whose powerful finish could not be kept out despite the best efforts of Sharjah stopper Mohammed Yousef.
The visitors could have doubled their lead in the 35th minute when Ciel flicked a dangerous low cross into the box but Khalil was off target, while Mirel Radoi fired a scorcher just wide three minutes later.
Sharjah’s first real attempt came four minutes from the break when Luan Louza unleashed from close range but Ahli custodian Ahmed Mahmoud “Dida” was there to make the block.
Things didn’t get any better for Paulo Bonamigo’s men in the second half as Shahin Abdulrahman received his marching orders four minutes from the restart after a poor challenge on Ciel, who had to be replaced by Grafite.
A solo effort from Wanderley in the final moments almost salvaged a point but his shot was wide, while the referee denied Grafite a late penalty.
