Al Nasr opened a three-point lead at the top of Group C in the Gulf Club Cup last night after a 1-0 away win over Al Busaiteen.
Hassan Mohammad, who started ahead of Ibrahima Toure, grabbed the only goal of the game midway through the second half to seal the points in a difficult away tie.
Their Bahraini opponents had been level with the Blue Wave on three points before the game but have now fallen back after Al Nasr secured the win.
Al Nasr will have been nothing but happy with the performance, comfortably having more chances than their hosts although they might be a little unhappy with the good opportunities wasted.
Brett Holman was the worst offender, missing a sitter in the first half after a dynamic run from Lima led to a pull back to the Australian 10 yards from goal.
With nothing between him and the goalkeeper, Holman side footed the ball well over the bar.
Lima was in a more aggressive mood than normal. Usually a deep languid player, the Brazilian routinely charged up the field and even nearly scored a stunner, forcing a save with a curling 35-yard effort.
Mohammad could have given Al Nasr the lead just before half time after Holman set him free, but he put it wide when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
The two would successfully link up in the second half when Holman’s inch-perfect long ball fell to Mohammad who looped the ball over the onrushing ‘keeper before slotting into an empty net.
