Arabian Gulf League: Matchweek 21 Review

Drama at the top of the Arabian Gulf League as Sharjah FC’s title hopes take a major dent 

We started gameweek 21 at the Zabeel Stadium where Al Wasl host Ajman. The visitors threw away a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 and make survival even more difficult. Bubacarr Trawall opened the scoring from the spot in the 29th minute. Eight minutes later, the Orange Brigade side doubled their lead through Leandro Spadacio.

The hosts put the pressure and reduced the deficit through Natan Filipe just before half time. Fabio Lima’s double sealed the comeback before Nicloas Oraz secured the victory to end Al Wasl’s four game winless run.

Ali Mabkhout inspired Al Jazira to a 4-2 victory after netting in a superb hat-trick over relegation threatened Al Fujairah. Khalifa Alhammadi put the Wolves ahead but Mabkhout’s double gave the Abu Dhabi giants a comfortable lead at half time.

Two minutes into the second half, Mohammed Mustafa netted the equaliser for the visitors but the 32-year-old was there again, to continue his extraordinary run of form in front of goal and seal a crucial win for Al Jazira as they remain two points clear at the top.

Khor Fakkan secured a vital win against Hatta after Roman Lopes struck four minutes before the end. The Eagles edge closer to safety now 11 points clear from the relegation zone sitting in 10^th, meanwhile Hatta still search for a win, remain at the bottom with eight points.

Sharjah FC title defence suffered a setback as they fell to defeat against Al Ahli. A penalty from Carlos Eduardo in the opening half settled the contest at the Rashid Stadium. The Red Knights had a golden opportunity to level late on from the spot but goalkeeper Majed Naser denied Igor Caronado. Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Anberi’s side now seven points from the top, whilst the hosts move into the top four.

Al Wahda bounced back from a heavy defeat last week to respond with a 3-0 victory over Al Dhafra. Omar Khirbin opened the scoring in the first half with his sixth goal of the season before Abdulla Hamad doubled the Clarets’ lead ten minutes later to give the visitors a cushion at the break.

Serbian striker Tim Matavz clinched victory for Al Wahda as they remain eighth with 32 points. The Western Giants suffer three defeats in a row but stay nine points adrift from the bottom.

Al Nasr left it late after victory over Ittihad Kalba. Sebastian Tagliabue tapped home Ryan Mendes’s pass to give the hosts the lead. However, the Tigers responded through Peniel Mlapa to equalise. Minutes after coming off the bench, Glauber Lima scored his first goal for the club, to put the Blues back in the top four and leave their opponents in ninth

Our last game ended at the Hazza bin Zayed stadium where Bani Yas came back from 1-0 down to beat Al Ain. The hosts started the game well and took advantage through Laba Kodjo in the opening four minutes.

Sultan Ashamsi levelled in the second half from long range to level before Joao Pedro handed the Sky Blues a vital victory to take them two points off league leaders Al Jazira and extend their gap with third place Sharjah after their defeat.

The Boss suffered their fifth defeat of the season but stay in sixth, five points behind the top four.

What next?

Another week of thrilling action in the Arabian Gulf League as we look to come close to the end of the season with still five big games left to play for each side.

Al Jazira will visit Al Wahda who saw off Al Dhafra in comfortable fashion. A big clash down the bottom and top as Baniyas host Hatta with both teams needing the points.

Ajman in need of points fighting at the bottom will look to respond following their defeat to Al Jazira, face another tough game against Al Nasr on the weekend