The wait is nearly over. Just one more win will deliver Al Jazira a first Arabian Gulf League title in six years – and surprisingly just a second one ever.
Al Shabab were dispatched with consummate ease last night, the hosts 2-0 up and effectively the result settled inside the opening 10 minutes after goals from Ali Mabkhout – incredibly his 28th in 22 games – and Fares Juma.
Although Jazira’s attendances rarely do justice to the 42,056 capacity Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, there was a carnival atmosphere inside the stadium at kick-off, with the fans in attendance in the mood to party.
And why not? Jazira could be confirmed as champions as early as today, should reigning AGL champions Al Ahli fail to win at Al Wahda. Failing that, victory at already safe Hatta in just over two weeks’ time would bring them a title they last lifted under Abel Braga in 2010/11.
The Brazilian veteran was brought back last season to finally end Ahli and Al Ain’s five-year monopoly on the championship, but the former messiah will instead be remembered for dragging the Abu Dhabi giants into a mess in which relegation was at one stage a very real threat.
Experienced Henk ten Cate replaced him and Jazira have never looked back. The Dutchman steadied the ship and steered them to the safety of seventh.
The President’s Cup was even lifted after a penalty shootout victory over Al Ain. But it is with Jazira now standing on the cusp of AGL glory that the Dutchman’s brilliance should truly be saluted.
“We are almost there. One more point from three games and we will be champions,” said the former Ajax boss.
“Al Jazira has no secret. We work very hard during the day, and during the game. We have a very solid defence, who have only conceded two at home, and we score easy goals.”
Shabab coach Miroslav Dukic said his side were beaten by the UAE’s best team.
“Today we play the best team in the league and it’s difficult to be competitive,” said the Serbian. “We have to stay very strong defensively and if you concede a goal in the second minute it’s very difficult to come back from this situation.”
Strange things can happen in the twilight of championship-chasing campaigns but there was never a hint of anxiety inside the stadium that Shabab would provide a potential banana skin.
Any nerves were quickly dispelled as Mabkhout put his side ahead in the third minute. There was no danger when skipper Mohammed Marzooq failed to spot the lurking Mabkhout as he sent a backpass to Salem Abdulla, and the league’s best striker finished with aplomb.
Six minutes later it was 2-0. Khalfan Mubarak won and then swung in a corner which Fares Juma glanced in through a crowd of players.
That’s when the chanting and the beating of the crowd’s drums started getting into full swing while Shabab got that familiar, sinking feeling – since November 25 they have tasted victory just once in 15 AGL games.
Jazira made the game safe with 21 minutes remaining, Leonardo sent in a delivery that forced Mahmoud Qassim to stick out a leg and put past Abdulla with Mabkhout in attendance.
So now it’s over to Ahli, although victory against Wahda will surely only delay the inevitable. Jazira have put the pride back in Pride of Abu Dhabi and will be worthy champions.
