Diego Maradona closes in on Mexican second division title - in pictures

Argentine manager needs only a draw in second leg of final on Sunday to win title

Diego Maradona is on the cusp of a title as coach of Dorados de Sinaloa as the Mexican second division club won the first leg of the title match 1-0 against Atletico San Luis at the Banorte Stadium in Culiacan. AFP

Maradona gets in the field prior the final first leg match between Dorados de Sinaloa and Atletico San Luis. Getty Images

Maradona sanctifies himself before the match. AFP

Maradona dances before the match. Getty Images

Maradona warms up before the match. AFP

Maradona gives instructions to his players. Getty Images

Maradona walks on the sideline. Getty Images

Maradona celebrates after his team's Edson Rivera scores on 75 minutes. It is worth mentioning that Maradona will have to watch the second leg, scheduled for Sunday, from the stands after he was sent off for celebrating in front of the opposition manager. AFP

Following mixed stints with the Argentine national football team, and UAE clubs Al Wasl and Fujairah, Diego Maradona may be on the cusp of managerial success come Sunday.

The Argentine's Dorados de Sinaloa go into the second leg of the Mexican second division final at the Banorte Stadium in Culiacan on Sunday carrying a 1-0 advantage against Atletico San Luis.

This means a draw will be enough for Maradona to ensure his team are promoted to the Mexican top flight.

Leaving aside his eccentricities, gaffes and that strange interview he gave to a television station recently, it has been an impressive turnaround for Dorados since the Argentine manager's takeover in September. They had been struggling at the bottom of the standings, having secured just three points after six rounds.

But Maradona helped them post seven wins, two draws and a loss during the rest of the season to qualify for post-season play as the seventh seed.

And now they have one hand on the division title.

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