Al Jazira showcase title credentials

Denzil Pinto 10:08 20/11/2016
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  • In top form: The Pride of Abu Dhabi.

    Prior to the match, Jazira coach Henk ten Cate had urged his team to prove how much they’ve progressed since he took charge last December, and they duly delivered – victory taking them to within a point of league leaders Al Wasl.

    First-half strikes from Ali Mabkhout and Khalfan Mubarak were enough for the President’s Cup winners to remain unbeaten and register their fifth victory of the season – a result that condemned the Red Knights to their first loss this term and a first AGL defeat in nearly a year.

    The Pride of Abu Dhabi were even reduced to 10 men following Mbark Boussoufa’s 66th minute red card, and Ten Cate had nothing but praise for his troops.

    “It was a difficult game and I must say I was surprised by Ahli that they didn’t start with a high-pressure tactic but my boys worked hard and it was a deserved win,” said the Dutchman, whose side finished 29 points behind their opponents in 2015/16.

    Jazira needed only 10 minutes to break the deadlock when summer arrival Ailton set up Mabkhout, whose shot deflected in off UAE colleague Abdulaziz Sanqour for his 10th league goal of the season. He then turned creator 10 minutes before the break, cleverly teeing up Mubarak, and the ever-improving youngster showed incredible poise to dink over Majed Nasser and double Jazira’s lead.

    Everton Ribeiro was the most creative Ahli player, but Jazira were well-organised with Mohammed Fawzi and Joao Carlos thwarting any danger. Ahli coach Cosmin Olaroiu brought on Rodrigo Lima at half-time but it was Ismail Al Hammadi who came closest to reducing the deficit, heading over from Ribeiro’s free-kick.

    They were given a glimmer of hope when Boussoufa received his second caution after fouling Ribeiro. Despite Ahmed Khalil’s best attempts to get Ahli back in contention, Ten Cate’s men held on for a deserved victory.

    Olariou had no complaints. “It was a bad day for us, it was difficult to get a positive result,” he said. “Jazira were more aggressive and effective and deserved to win.”

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