UAE starlet Khalfan Mubarak was at his effervescent best as Al Jazira continued motoring towards the Arabian Gulf League’s crown with a comfortable 3-0 win at minnows Dibba Al Fujairah.
Mubarak, 21, made now-departed UAE coach Mahdi Ali’s decision to make him an unused substitute during a disastrous international break even more curious as the top flight resumed.
The playmaker’s dancing feet won the penalty which allowed the unstoppable Ali Mabkhout to move onto a leading 27 goals, before his inch-perfect free-kick – which he had earned himself with a driving run – rocketed into the top corner before the break.
الجزيرة يسجل الهدف الثاني في مرمى دبا
— قناة أبوظبي الرياضية (@ADSportsTV) April 5, 2017
دوري الخليج العربي pic.twitter.com/0YMLzHI6VO
It was then left to Brazilian winger Leonardo to force the third after the break, his low shot embarrassingly beating goalkeeper Fahad Al Dhanhani at his near post.
This 18th win of a dominant season inched the Pride of Abu Dhabi closer to ending their six-year wait to again be crowned champions. A victory for third-placed Al Wasl at second-placed holders Al Ahli tonight could even see them clinch the trophy with victory at Al Shabab on April 14.
For Paulo Comelli’s Dibba, worries about relegation are not yet alleviated. They are five points ahead of second-bottom Emirates Club – who lost 2-1 to Wahda yesterday – and seven ahead of Bani Yas, who host Sharjah tomorrow.
الجزيرة يسجل الهدف الأول في مرمي دبا من ضربة جزاء #دوري_الخليج_العربي pic.twitter.com/RzsCAgErvx
— قناة أبوظبي الرياضية (@ADSportsTV) April 5, 2017
Jazira left it late to go ahead in the first half. Moments after hulking UAE centre-back Fares Juma saw a bicycle kick well saved, Mubarak was felled by defender Saeed Al Naqbi inside the box.
Mabkhout shot down the middle to move six goals ahead of Wasl’s Fabio De Lima at the top of the charts. Mubarak then caught the eye with a stunning set-piece for his fourth strike in 18 AGL games.
The interval saw Jazira take full control of proceedings, Leonardo providing the sole highlight with his fortunate effort.
