While Al Wahda reached the doorstep of the Arabian Gulf Cup final by trashing Dibba Al Fujairah 4-2, Al Wasl and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai lived to fight another day after a goalless draw in their first leg semi-final on Friday.
Those in attendance at Rashid Stadium were subjected to a match devoid of much action, as neither team pushed the pace until the second half when Shabab Al Ahli Dubai put their foot on the gas pedal.
The home side had multiple chances to get out on the front foot, but Saeed Jassem’s header in the 56th minute was stopped by Al Wasl goalkeeper Yousif Al Zaabi, who later stretched for a save on Erceg Ante in the 87th minute to preserve the draw.
The result means the berth for the final will come down to the second leg on March 22.
Al Wahda, meanwhile, are sitting pretty after their goal-fest at Zayed Sports City.
Sebastian Tagliabue netted a hat-trick, with scores in the third, 63rd (penalty) and 81st minutes to power the Clarets to victory.
Diogo da Silva did his part for the visitors by scoring a brace, but Dibba will have their work cut out in the second leg to advance.
