Sami Al Jaber’s miserable start to life in charge of Al Wahda continued last night as his charges fell to a shock 1-0 Arabian Gulf League loss at lowly Fujairah.
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The under-performing Clarets came unstuck for the fourth time in the Saudi Arabia legend’s six matches in all competitions, striker Boubacar Sanogo deservedly slotting in the only goal.
The loss further loosened Wahda’s grip on their fourth-and-final Asian qualification spot, a scenario which seems unbelievable considering the success enjoyed under controversially-axed predecessor Jose Peseiro.
Fujairah’s pressure finally told in the 69th minute, Ivory Coast international Sanogo showing great skill and composure to fire past Adel Al Hosani from a tight angle.
Sami Al-Jaber just can’t find a win as his @AlWahdaFCC team lost 1-0 to @Fuj_FC just a few minutes ago…how long before he gets the sack?
— Ahdaaf (@ahdaafme) April 3, 2015
Wahda’s Kuwait international centre-back Hussain Fadhel expressed his remorse about the result.
“We did not provide the required level in this meeting,” he said. “We apologise to the fans for the loss and hope for good luck in the coming rounds.”
The main beneficiaries of Wahda’s continuing woes are Al Wasl. Gabriel Calderon’s on-song charges came from behind to record a hardfought 2-1 win at Sharjah, the result drawing them within three points and one place of the top four.
They were made to work hard for their latest triumph, the visitors to Zabeel Stadium taking a 39th minute lead through striker Wanderley.
The Brazilian maintained his spot as the top-flight’s secondhighest scorer, a composed finish on the counter-attack moving him on to 14 goals.
Wasl’s fine style was present when forward Caio Canedo dispatched the first of a quick-fire brace to equalise. Portugal international midfielder Hugo Viana and forward Fabio De Lima exchanged passes in a flowing move, Caio nodding in on 56 minutes.
The winner appeared just one minute later in spectacular fashion, Internacional loanee Caio thumping a terrific strike past UAE goalkeeper Mohamed Yousif from outside the area.
Fellow top-four chasers Al Nasr lost yet more ground as they gave up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 at Al Dhafra. The result saw Western Knights coach Laurent Banide celebrate this week’s extension of his deal to summer 2017.
The match – postponed 24 hours because of sandstorms – began with the Blue Wave in the ascent. Spain winger Pablo Hernandez rifled in a sweetly-struck opener in the 15th minute, striker Ibrahima Toure poking home his 13th AGL goal of a productive campaign from kick off.
The hosts’ heads did not drop, Youssef Kaddioui scoring on 50 minutes from the penalty spot prior to Mohammed Al Khoory leveller following a punt up the pitch.
Bani Yas’ painful run without an AGL victory stretched to a sixth game as veteran striker Boris Kabi secured a 2-2 draw at home for second-bottom Ajman.
The Orange Brigade took an early lead through Rafael Crivellaro close-range effort, Swedish striker Imad Khalili levelling just before the break with a low shot before Spanish playmaker Joan Verdu put the visitors ahead on 50 minutes. The Sky Blues could not hold on, Kabi showing his predatory instincts to then level a rollercoaster contest.
