Clubs both old and familiar will return to the Arabian Gulf League for 2019/20 after Khor Fakkan and Hatta locked out the promotion spots during First Division League’s enthralling final day.
A quartet of clubs – the aforementioned duo, plus Al Hamriyah and Al Urooba – were all in contention for promotion ahead of round 18.
Long-term leaders Khor did their bit by beating second-bottom Al Taawoun 3-0, goals being shared between Abdulqader Qambar, veteran Mohamed Malalla and Brazilian stalwart Rodrigo Silva. This result both clinched the title and confirmed the end of a decade-long absence – they were then called Al Khaleej – from the top flight.
The race for second was far more complex. Hatta – relegated via 2017/18’s unique play-offs – earned an instant and dramatic return thanks to Brazilian attacking midfielder Gilmar 90th-minute clincher in the tense 1-0 victory at fourth-placed Hamriyah, thus allowing a superior head-to-head record against Urooba, who defeated Dibba Al Hisn 2-0, to come into play at the death.
Two from Dibba Al Fujairah, Fujairah and Emirates Club will be demoted from the AGL.