Round 23 of the 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League delivered several stellar displays, at both ends of the table.
Unbeaten leaders Sharjah are just one win away from a first title since 1995/96 after Brazilian striker Welliton rescued a 2-2 draw with bottom-placed Dibba Al Fujairah, while 2015 AFC Player of the Year Ahmed Khalil’s renaissance continued with two stunning free-kicks in second-placed Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club’s 3-2 win against Al Dhafra.
Here are Sport360’°s top picks and a talking point:
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Marcao (Emirates Club)
An unlikely saviour emerged this weekend in Emirates Club’s perennial battle against the drop.
Brazilian anchor man Marcao rose majestically in the second minute to head home in the ‘relegation six-pointer’ at Fujairah, then dug in to ensure an invaluable 1-0 triumph was secured. A three-point gap with three games left is reward.
(Pro League Committee).
GOAL OF THE WEEK
Caio Canedo (Al Wasl)
It’s been a sorrowful season for Brazilian forward Caio and everyone associated with Al Wasl.
The five-season veteran, however, reaffirmed his quality in the 2-1 win at Ajman. Sharp feet from fellow Brazilian Fabio De Lima bought space inside the area and a low cross was adroitly stroked home at the first attempt by Caio, making it 13 goals in 23 AGL matches.
(Pro League Committee).
COACH OF THE WEEK
Caio Zanardi (Al Nasr)
Zanardi is making this management lark seem easy, in contrast to his troubled predecessors.
Friday’s 2-1 win against promoted Bani Yas was a fourth in five matches since a second caretaker spell of the season at Al Nasr. It also followed Wednesday’s call to make the technical director their permanent coach until 2021 – better times, probably, await.
(Twitter/@ALNasrSC).
TALKING POINT
King Khalil’s timely return to form
Weeks like this looked at an end for history making, but injury ravaged, UAE forward Ahmed Khalil.
The 2015 AFC Player of the Year produced three staggering free-kicks in four days, both versus Al Dhafra, to claim both the President’s Cup and cement second place for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club. That’s now five goals in his last six run-outs.
New UAE boss Bert van Marwijk was, also, sure to be an interested observer. World Cup 2022 qualifying begins in September…
