Dethroned champions Al Ahli will launch the 2015-16 Arabian Gulf League at home to Fujairah after the Pro League Committee Sunday announced the dates for the first half of the season and group stages of the Arabian Gulf Cup.
The Red Knights fell from first to seventh last term in a miserable domestic campaign. But their AFC Champions League quarter-final, first leg date at Iran’s Naft Tehran means Cosmin Olaroiu’s side start the action on Wednesday, August 19 to allow adequate preparation time.
The remaining round 1 games take place over the next two days. Both top-flight newcomers are involved on Thursday, August 20 as Al Shaab host Bani Yas and hotly-tipped Al Wahda travel to Dibba Al Fujairah.
Holders Al Ain start their defence on Friday, August 20 at home to Al Dhafra, with Al Shabab facing Shar- jah, Abel Braga starting his second spell in charge of Al Jazira at home to Al Wasl and Al Nasr hosting Emirates Club.
The AGL curtain raiser will be preceded by Saturday, August 15’s Arabian Gulf Super Cup contest between Al Ain and President’s Cup winners Nasr at Bani Yas Stadium.
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The action continues steadily until December 6-7, when a month-long break occurs for the Gulf Cup. Meanwhile, the double-winning Blue Wave begin their Arabian Gulf Cup defence on Thursday, August 27 against Bani Yas in Group A. On the same day in Group B, Shabab will host Dibba.
The cup action continues on Friday, August 28 as Wasl play Shaab in Group A, Group B seeing a titanic clash between Jazira and Al Ain plus Wahda v Fujairah.
Ahli’s ACL commitments mean they host Emirates on Monday, August 31 in a delayed Group A contest. The top two from each section will form the last-four line-up on Friday, January 1, with the final to follow on Friday, March 25.
