Al Ain fielded Rafael Rodrigues, a defender on loan from Benfica, in their starting lineup. Winger Boa Morte scored in Khorfakkan’s victory.
In a match of the 21st round of the UAE championship, José Morais’ Al Sharjah hosted and defeated Rui Vitoria’s Al Wasl (2-1). On Sunday afternoon, the former Benfica coach opted for full-back Pedro Malheiro (ex-Boavista) and winger Serginho Andrade (ex-Estoril) in the starting lineup. And it was the forward who provided the assist for the 1-0 goal, scored in the 17th minute by midfielder Nico Gimenez.
The hosts’ comeback was completed in the second half, thanks to forward Ousmane Camara and full=back Khaled Ebraheim, who scored in the 49th and 66th minutes, respectively.
Thus, Al Sharjah moved up to eighth place with 24 points, six points ahead of the relegation zone. Meanwhile, Al Wasl is fifth with 33 points, 20 behind leaders Al Ain. Also on Sunday, the UAE league leaders triumphed at home against Ajman (7th), 2-0, with Rafael Rodrigues = a 24-year-old left-back on loan from Benfica = in the starting lineup. Al Ain’s goals were scored by forwards Rahimi and Kodjo Laba in the 6th and 58th minutes, respectively.
Al Ain remains in sole possession of the lead = 16 wins and five draws = with 53 points, one point ahead of Paulo Sousa’s Al Ahli Dubai, their rival who they host on Friday (5:30 pm).
Finally, winger Aylton Boa Morte (formerly of Portimonense) started in Khorfakkan’s home win over Bani Yas (2-1). The 32-year-old forward scored the 2-0 in the 60th minute, reaching his seventh goal of the season.
Thus, Khorfakkan moved up to 9th place with 23 points, two ahead of Bani Yas (11th), who in turn have a three=point advantage over the relegation zone.