The title race heats up in the UAE League with just four points separating the top three

The race for the Arabian Gulf League title is hotting up. Baniyas picked up three crucial points against Al Ittihad Kalba. Al Jazira rescued a late point with Shabab Al Ahli whilst Sharjah FC lost to Al Nasr.

Al Jazira 1-1 Shabab Al-Ahli

Milos Kasanovic netted a late goal for Marcel Keizer’s side, as they picked up a vital point at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on the weekend.

Both sides struggled for chances in the first half but the second period delivered intensity as Al Jazira and Shabab Al-Ahli searched for the winner.

On the hour mark the visitors broke the deadlock through Carlos Eduardo, the Brazillian finishing off a wonderful team goal to give Shabab-Al Ahli the lead.

Late drama in the last few minutes of the game occurred as Majed Hassan was sent off for a second booking offence for the Red Knights, whilst Al Jazira capitalised minutes later through Serbian centre-back Milos Kasanovic.

The hosts remain top after the draw, two points away from Baniyas in second, whilst Shabab Al Ahli stay in fifth following Al Nasr’s win against Sharjah.

Al-Ittihad Kalba 0-2 Baniyas

Baniyas moved into second in the AGL table after a comfortable 2-0 win against Al-Ittihad Kalba.

After a goalless first half, Jorge Da Silva’s side were reduced to 10 men just past the hour mark when Mohammed Shabeel was shown a second yellow for his challenge on Nicolas Gimenez.

The visitors took advantage on the 74^th minute mark through Gaston Suarez, after the Argentinean headed past goalkeeper Jamal Abdulla Ali.

Five minutes later, Gimenez doubled the lead with a stunning strike into the top corner to ensure the Sky Blues claimed three vital points.

Al Nasr 2-1 Sharjah FC

Sharjah’s six-match run without a win in all competitions continued at the Al Maktoum Stadium on the weekend.

The hosts were rewarded for their efforts just before halftime through Sebastian Tagliabue after the striker netted in his sixth goal of the season to put the Blues in front.

Mohammed Al Anberi’s side equalised in the second half through Saif Rashid, but four minutes later Tagliabue regained Al-Nasr’s lead after the Argentinian met Ryan Mendes’ cross to tap home.

The Kings are still looking for their first win since February and having dropped points they now remain third, four points from Al Jazirah whilst Roman Diaz is side stay in fourth and look to put pressure on the sides above them.

What’s next?

Baniyas FC’s form will be tested in the next month, with tricky-looking games to come. Daniel Isalia’s side still have to play all four of the teams below them who are fighting for a chance to qualify for this season’s AFC Champions League place.

Al Jazira visit the bottom two in their next games hoping to pick up crucial points whilst Sharjah FC will look to end their six-game winless streak at home to Khor Fakkan.