Al Jazira 2 Sharjah 0
Story of the match
Al Jazira stayed on course of a semi-final place in the Arabian Gulf Cup after a 2-0 win over Sharjah at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium.
Ahmed Al Hashmi put Jazira ahead in the first half and Brazilian striker Ailton Almeida doubled the lead 11 minutes from time.
The result moved Jazira up to second in Group A with one match left to play in the seven-team group, against bottom club Hatta, who are pointless after four games.
Jazira, who remain unbeaten in 11 league and cup games this season, are now one point behind the leaders Al Dhafra in second with Al Wasl a further point adrift in third.
Only the top two teams in each group will progress to the knockout rounds.
Turning point
The spot kick awarded to Jazira on 79 minutes killed the game as a contest. Park Jong-woo went tumbling in the area under minimal contact when challenged and Almeida stepped up to convert.
Man of the match
Almeida assist for Al Hashmi’s goal and scored from the penalty spot. The Brazilian, playing on the left wing, posed a constant threat to Sharjah.
What the managers said
Jazira manager Henk ten Cate: "We played them in the league but this time we didn't have our full squad as some of them were away on duty for the national teams preparing for the World Cup Qualifiers. I'm not very happy with the game, still the result was good. The win was what matters at the end in this type of competition."
Sharjah manager Giorgos Donis: "In this type of matches we need to score. We couldn't achieve that tonight. My players worked hard but they couldn't create that many chances for us to score. But it's important for us to look at the future. We need time to build this squad and I urge our fans to come and support our players. This is the time they need them."
In the other games
Al Nasr were held to a scoreless draw by Dibba, a side they defeated 4-0 last week in the Arabian Gulf League.
Three points could have moved Nasr top of Group B, instead, they remain third, level on 10 points with leaders Al Shabab and Al Ahli with all three teams having one more game left to decide which two will reach the semi-finals. Dibba remain three points adrift in fourth.
Makhete Diop and Omar Khrbin struck twice each in the first for Al Dhafra to emerge 4-2 winners over Emirates and climb up to the top of Group A. Abdullah Moosa and Alhusain Saleh replied for the visitors.
RESULTS:
Thursday
• Al Nasr 0 Dibba 0
• Al Dhafra 4 Emirates 2
• Al Jazira 2 Sharjah 0
FIXTURES:
Friday
• Al Ahli v Kalba, 4.45pm
• Al Wahda v Hatta, 4.50pm
• Al Ain v Baniyas, 7.30pm
Matches on AD Sports and Dubai Sports
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