Tue, 30 Nov, -0001
Dubai: Current AFC Champions League Group D leaders Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates have been crowned the UAE Pro League champions after a 2-1 win over Al Wasl in a Dubai derby on Thursday.
The Cosmin Olaroiu side were the runaway leaders and had only suffered two defeats in the memorable domestic campaign. They have an uncatchable 15 points lead over second-placed Al Shabab with three matches to play (Al Shabab have a match in hand).
Ricardo Oliveira put the Dubai rival Al Wasl ahead after just seven minutes but two second-half goals in four minutes from Ahmed Khalil and Brazilian Grafite’s 18 goals of the league were enough to hand Ahli their sixth title.
With two matches remaining in the group stages of ACL 2014, Al Ahli are the leaders of a tricky Group D with six points from four matches. Despite being unbeaten so far in the competition, qualification is still not secured for Olaroiu’s side who drew three matches and managed to pull a stunning win over favourites Sepahan in Iran.
They are at home next week against experienced ACL campaigner Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia. The newly crowned UAE champions will wrap up their group stage campaign on road at Doha against Al Sadd.
Photo:AFP