UAE Pro League Wrap: Al Ahli go five points clear, Al Shabab held

Al Ahli stretched their lead at the top of the UAE Pro League after beating Dubai 4-2 on Wednesday.

Luis Jimenez scored twice as Cosmin Olaroiu’s side responded to their 3-0 home defeat against Al Dhafra last Friday in impressive fashion.

Ahmed Khalil put the leaders in front in the first minute, but Jehad Al Hussain equalised after 63 minutes in a Dubai derby at the Al-Rashid Stadium.

Al Ahli were not to be denied, though, as Chilean midfielder Jimenez and striker Ciel struck in the space of four minutes to put the home side in command.

Dramane Traore pulled a goal back to set up a tense finish, but Jimenez struck again five minute into time added on to seal the points and move the leaders temporarily six points clear.

Second-placed Al Shabab lost ground as they afte
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r were held to a goalless draw by Al Ain on Thursday.

It could have been worse for Marcos Paqueta’s side at the Tahnon bin Mohamed Stadium, as Asamoah Gyan missed a host of chances to secure all three points for the home side.

Third-placed Al Jazira are just a point behind Al Shabab after coasting to a 3-0 win over bottom side Al Shaab.

Nelson Valdez scored twice for Walter Zenga’s side, but was later suspended by the Abu Dhabi club after being deemed to have made a “rude gesture” when celebrating his second goal.

Al Sharjah are fourth in the table and just a point adrift of Al Shabab and Al Jazira following a 2-0 home victory over Al Wasl.

Fellype Gabriel and Ze Carlos scored from the penalty spot and the visitors had Mohamed Jamal for a second bookable offence as Paulo Bonamigo’s side came out on top.

Al Nasr slipped as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Al Wahda and Emirates suffered a 3-2 home defeat to Al Dhafra in the other game to be played on Wednesday.

Carlos Munoz scored his 12th league goal of the season as Bani Yas hammered struggling Ajman 4-1 on Thursday.