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Al Jazira crowned UAE champions for the third time whilst Fujairah join Hatta in relegation to division one.
The race for the Arabian Gulf League title
Al Jazira have been crowned UAE champions following their 3-1 win against Khorfakkan.
Marcel Keizer’s side looked on course for a nerve-jangling final day but turned up in style. Goals from Ali Mabkhout and a double from Oumar Traore sealed the Abu Dhabi’s side third league title and their first since the 2016-17 season.
The Eagles who have just won one of their last five, came into this game sitting comfortably in tenth and looking to enjoy their third successive season in the Gulf League.
Despite Al Jazira spending long periods of the game with ten men, following Khalfan Mubarak sending off, the hosts still looked comfortable throughout the game. Khorfakkan did get a late goal in the second half through Khalfan Al Noubi but it was nothing more than a consolation.
The victory ended Baniyas is hopes of claiming their first ever league title. The Sky Blues have encountered one of their best season but were forced to settle for second spot after their 1-1 draw with Al Wahda.
Gatson Suarez netted from the spot to open the scoring, however it didn’t take long for Al Wahda to respond, Omar Khirbin tapped in the equaliser to score his seventh of the season. Baniyas finished the season with 54 points, just three short of Al Jazira.
Credit: Al Jazira
Champions League qualification
Shabab Al-Ahli and Al Nasr played out a five goal thriller as the Red Knights secured qualification to the AFC Champions League.
A win was all that was needed for Al Ahli and they were made to work for it. Habib Al Fardan netted in the opening ten minutes for the Emirati side. However, the visitors turned things around in the second half. Ahmed Al Attas equalised from the spot before Hereb Abdullah slotted to double the lead four minutes later.
The Red Knights extended their lead through Mohamed Juma on the 83minute mark. Despite Al Ahli defender Yousef Jaber putting the ball in his own net to give Al Nasr a lifeline back into the game, Gerard Zargoza’s side held on to move into third in the AGL table.
Ramon Diaz is side finished this season in fifth and fell short of just two points of the top four.
Credit: Shabab Al Ahli
The Relegation battle
Ajman secured their relegation survival after a 2-1 win against rivals Fujairah on the final day of the Arabian Gulf League season.
Despite the Wolves having a game in hand against Al Wahda, it will be impossible for them to overtake Ajman due to the head to head record with the Orange Brigade side winning on both occasions.
Both sides were level on 15 points and were looking to avoid joining already relegated Hatta to division one. An own goal from Hamdan Nasser gave the visitors the lead but just before the break Firas Belarbi equalised for the Wolves.
It took until the 86th minute for Brazillian teenager Leandro Spadacio to snatch the winning goal and guide Ajman to safety for another season.
Credit: Ajman
What else happened?
Al Wasl end a four game unbeaten run with victory over Al Dhafra. Fabio Lima and Joao Figueredo were on the scoresheet for the hosts before Saeed Rawahi opened the scoring. Sharjah felt to a 1-0 defeat against Al-Ittihad Kalba. Peniel Mlapa’s first half strike was the difference between the sides. Meanwhile, Caio Conedo got the only goal of the game as Al Ain earned three points against relegated Hatta.
