Al Shabab 1 Al Dhafra 0
Bruno 56’
Man of the match Dawood Ali
DUBAI // Marcos Paqueta stood motionless, but for a brief nod to the heavens and a puffing out of his cheeks.
The Al Shabab coach, stationed on the edge of his technical area, had just witnessed Edgar Bruno stab home what would be the winner against Al Dhafra in a tense encounter at the Rashid bin Maktoum Stadium, yet his actions did not mirror those of his trusted striker.
If Bruno’s wild celebration suggested how significant a score this may have been in the context of the 2013/14 Arabian Gulf League season, then Paqueta’s muted reaction was a firm reinforcement. Shabab, second in the standings with the weeks slipping away, simply needed the three points.
“That’s right, because even half a goal would have been a great thing for us,” Paqueta said.
“Anything to get the three points in the end. The players were nervous because we’re playing with pressure, where we have pressure to only win.
“Every match is a challenge, but we are getting used to it.”
Until Bruno’s goal – a predatory half-volley that ricocheted in off the upright – it appeared the evening’s greatest victors would be Al Ahli.
The league leaders, located just along the road, play tomorrow night at Al Ain and they presumably hoped this surprise package of a Dhafra team could continue to upset the script.
The visitors almost did, especially when their mission was provided extra ammunition shortly before half time, when Mahmoud Qassim was correctly awarded a straight red card for a lunge on Ahmed Obaid.
Just as Paqueta noted, Shabab looked to be burdened by expectation; with only six rounds remaining they have no choice but to cling to Ahli’s coat-tails.
They will certainly be grateful for Bruno’s latest contribution with the Brazilian supplying the only highlight in what was a stunted performance from the hosts.
He is so often the shining light in this Shabab team and his strike took his league tally to 14 goals in 19 matches.
It was perhaps harsh on Dhafra, with the Western Region club offering a threat throughout, primarily through Makhete Diop, their imposing Senegalese frontman.
For Paqueta, it mattered little how the triumph came about, although he will return to training in the coming days with a few things weighing heavy on his mind.
“It’s really important to get the three points,” said the Brazilian. “But sometimes you don’t play well and get the points, which is far better than having a good game and getting nothing. But I will not hide that this has left me a little worried.”
Those worry lines may smooth out a touch if Ahli fail to match Shabab’s result in the Garden City.
Al Ain, the reigning champions, may be far from last season’s vintage but they would like nothing more than to derail Ahli’s title challenge.
After that, Ahli have Al Jazira, too, another stiff examination of their credentials.
Slip up in either one and next month’s crucial clash with Shabab might just become even more pivotal.
Remember, the Dhafra win lifts Shabab to within three points of their neighbours.
Paqueta, though, is reluctant to peer too far into the future.
“Our philosophy is looking game by game and taking things step by step,” he said.
“We have to do our job first and try to win our games and then wait for other results.
“We don’t forget that we will face Ahli directly. But there’s no need to think about the top of the mountain because then you forget the path to get there.”
With this spirited victory against Dhafra, the road to the summit seems a little less rocky.
Other results
Ajman 2 Al Shaab 1
First-half goals from Mohammed Al Antaly and Bakari Kone, above, helped Ajman to a 2-1 victory over Al Shaab at Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Stadium on Friday night. Ahmed Jumaa pulled one back for the visitors before the half-time break but Ajman managed to hold on for the three points. The win allows Ajman to take a step closer to Arabian Gulf League safety as they are in 11th place on 18 points, six clear of Shaab in 13th position. Only bottom club Dubai have fewer points than Shaab in the table and have played one fewer game.
Sharjah 0 Al Nasr 0
Sharjah and Al Nasr played out their second Arabian Gulf League stalemate of the season with a 0-0 draw at the Sharjah Stadium. Neither side has been capable of breaking the deadlock on the two occasions they have met this campaign. The shared points gives Sharjah 35 in fourth place and Al Nasr stay fifth with 31 points. An early shot from Ahmed Khamis was blocked behind for a Sharjah corner but the chance did not set the tone for the rest of the goalless game, which saw few clear-cut opportunities created by either side.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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