Abdulhaleem leaves Wahda post

The Al Wahda coach Ahmed Abdulhaleem is relieved of his duties after his team suffered a second successive defeat in the Pro League on Friday.

Ahmed Abdulhaleem, in blue, during happier times at Al Wahda.
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ABU DHABI // The Al Wahda coach Ahmed Abdulhaleem has been relieved of his duties after his team suffered a second successive defeat in the Pro League on Friday. According to an official club statement, the former Egypt international has 'resigned' from the job, which he undertook as caretaker in the middle half of last season after the sacking of two coaches, Brazilian Ivo Wortmann and Dutchman Jo Bonfrere.

Abdulla al Junaibi, chairman of the club's executive committee said they were looking for a suitable replacement and until such time the Tunisian Hatem Suwaisi, the club's technical manager, will take charge. "Suwaisi has worked under Philippe Trousier and as the Malaysian youth coach, and he can oversee the team's preparation until we find a suitable replacement, which we hope to finalise by end of this week." Abdulhaleem's fate was hanging by a thread as he led the team for the match with the defending champions Al Shabab, and a 1-0 home defeat to Al Ain followed by Friday's 2-1 loss in Dubai was the final straw.

Abdulhaleem's contract was renewed after he led the team to the Asian Champions League quarter finals. But after a bright start, things turned difficult for him. He came under criticism from his own camp for the negative tactics he adopted against Al Ain. Wahda are still in fourth spot but they are 10 points behind the leaders Al Ahli. Joining them on 11 are Al Nasr and the promoted Ajman, who they face at home this weekend.

apassela@thenational.ae