A goalscoring bow for Everton Ribeiro in a rudimentary 2-0 victory against Sharjah hinted at a new beginning for Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli on Wednesday night.
A desire to rouse the Red Knights from sixth upon the top-flight’s resumption saw the Brazil international recruited at high cost this week. He delivered on his fee within 10 minutes of departing the bench, sidefooting in a sweeping move.
Chile striker Carlos Munoz made it two at the death but the Red Knights malaise failed to be truly shaken.
Not even playing relegation-threatened opposition fresh from Friday’s demoralizing Arabian Gulf Cup defeat to Al Nasr, a numerical advantage after Rodriguinho’s red card or debuts for Ribeiro and Oussama Assaidi could rid Ahli of their true struggles.
Despite the slim pickings, Red Knights boss Olaroiu hoped this would be the start of better days to come.
“Ribeiro closed the game,” he said. “He had another situation before the goal and showed a lot of quality.
“He is a big player, he’s only trained twice with us and is not in the best fitness but he showed his quality. I’m sure he will help the team and it is most important we find the right balance playing with a lot of quality players.”
Sharjah are still hovering dangerously above the relegation zone, though they will play worse than this for the remainder of the season and win.
“We played a counter attacking strategy and this was working well until we lost a player,” coach Paulo Bonamigo said. “With one player less we lost control and gave Al Ahli the chance to counter and score, after the goal we suffered a lot and it became difficult.
“Now we have eight days to sit and check if we can bring in some players.”
The resumption of the AGL led to the same frustrations for coach Cosmin Olaroiu, back in the dugout after a painful loan spell with Saudi Arabia at the Asian Cup.
He bemoaned his experience in Australia pre-match, but the competition continues to cause discomfort. A significant factor in the torpor was the draining effect the UAE’s run to third place had on Ahli’s seven-strong contingent.
This was somniferous viewing throughout. Much better will be required for the treble holders to become challengers again.
The only clear opening of the first half came at its end. The Ahli full-backs combined, Essa Santo’s deep cross headed into the floor and wide by Abdelaziz Sanqour.
What preceded was one-paced and not worthy of record.
There was no focal point for Ahli’s creative midfielders to hit. Munoz is a fine player but not suited to filling departed club legend Grafite’s role, the small Chilean striker wanting to wander wide rather than provide a focal point in the middle.
Indeed, prior to Ribeiro’s strike the only rousing moment came as a banner was unfurled in dedication to the now departed Grafite.
Ribeiro looked every inch a current Brazil international when introduced past the hour mark, calmly finishing after being found by new captain Luis Jimenez.
Gloss was added to the scoreline at the death, Munoz heading in his seventh goal following his summer switch from Bani Yas when picked out by Ismail Al Hammadi.
Elsewhere in the evening's late kick-offs, Al Ain went level on points with Al Jazira with a 2-1 win over Al Shabab while Bani Yas and Al Nasr played out a 0-0 draw.
