Adel Al Hosani the hero in Al Wahda triumph

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Abu Dhabi: Adel Al Hosani, the custodian of Al Wahda, was the hero of his team subjecting traditional rivals and league champions Al Ain to a 2-0 defeat in the penultimate week of Etisalat Pro League as Al Ahli ensured themselves of second place irrespective of the results of Bani Yas in their two remaining matches.

At the bottom of the table, Dibba renewed their hopes after coming from behind to beat Kalba 2-1 as Al Shaab drew with Al Wasl 0-0. The final week’s matches will now decide the second team to be relegated, along with Kalba, to the second tier. Al Shaab are placed 12th with 22 points while Dibba are one place below with two points behind and one match to go.

Dr Abdullah Misfir, the head coach of Dibba, complained about the schedule of the last set of matches because it will be played on May 25, only three days before the final of the President’s Cup in which Al Ahli will face Al Shabab.

Misfir complained because his team will face Ajman in the last match while Al Shaab will play against Al Shabab, a match which will have little significance for Al Shabab who will be focusing on the Cup final and could field a second string team.

“I demand that the Professional League Committee (PLC) change the date of the Al Shabab vs Al Shaab match to guarantee fair chances for our team,” Misfir said after beating Kalba.

Despite the absence of the UAE’s two most entertaining players: Omar Abdul Rahman of Al Ain and Esmail Mattar from Al Wahda, who were both seen sitting together in the VIP cabin of Al Nahyan stadium, the Abu Dhabi Derby served an exciting fare. It was a thrilling and competitive encounter with Al Wahda defeating their traditional rivals for the first time in three years.

Al Hosani was the hero of Al Wahda as he was in outstanding form, saving many a dangerous attempt especially from Asamoah Gyan, the league’s top scorer who, for the first time, played a full match without scoring. The Ghana star has scored 30 goals in the past 24 league matches.

“We were determined to win the derby to give our loyal fans some compensation for a season without a trophy,” Al Hosani said. “We played without some of our best players but the team fought well and worked hard and deserved to beat the champions. I am sure that our fans are happy now.

“It was not only me who was the hero of the match, all my colleagues deserve credit and should be praised,” Al Hosani added.

By Yasir Abbasher Senior Reporter