Ahli’s rage justified
Cosmin Olaroiu watched as Carlos Munoz was denied a last-minute penalty against Al Ain on Monday, then he blew his top.
Not only had his team not been granted a cast-iron spot-kick, but Munoz was booked for a second time and promptly sent off. Protesting wildly, Olaroiu soon followed.
However, while his actions cannot be condoned, the Al Ahli coach was correct to feel aggrieved. Referee Yaquob Al Hammadi had made a hash of it, snatching a potential victory from the hosts.
The flames of this fixture never need fanning, yet Al Hammadi’s decision – it unfortunately capped a poor night for the official – only added to the hostility. In the end, the 1-1 draw hurt a struggling Ahli more than Al Ain.
Vucinic vital to title bid
A hat-trick against Kalba on Tuesday took Mirko Vucinic’s already impressive haul to 13 goals in eight league matches. It also confirmed Al Jazira’s authenticity as title contenders.
Kalba do represent the division’s weakest opposition, but Vucinic’s form since his summer arrival suggests Jazira may have the firepower to counteract their problems in defence.
Despite the clean sheet, they have the league’s third leakiest rear-guard. How important it is, then, that in Vucinic, Jazira have a goal guarantor.
To underline the point: he scored all of his side’s goals in last month’s 4-3 victory against Al Ain.
Second-placed Jazira must still solve their backline blues, but with Vucinic, they always have a chance. The championship is infinity more attainable with him on song.
Wasl win much-needed
A glance at the table before Round 8 would have provided everyone connected with Al Wasl with considerable concern. Yes, the 2014/15 season is still young, but the club sat second-last, with only one victory. So thank heavens for Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Sharjah.
Fabio Lima got the goal, but perhaps the most pleasing positive for coach Gabriel Calderon was how his new side handled Abdalla Saleh’s dismissal.
The defender was sent off on 48 minutes, but Wasl stood firm. They now go into the break on the back of a victory and eighth in the table.
With a month to work on his squad, Calderon can look forward to the international break with real relish. How different the mood after a win, eh?
* John McAuley
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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