AGL round-up: Emirates and Dibba stay up while Kalba and Baniyas are relegated

Struggling Emirates raised their game in the nick of time on Saturday to beat Al Nasr at home and stave off relegation.

Dibba's Ahmed Al-Nuqbi looks to keep possession past a Sharjah defender. Courtesy Arabian Gulf League
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Struggling Emirates raised their game in the nick of time last night to beat Al Nasr at home and stave off relegation.

The Ras Al Khaimah side had to beat mid-table Nasr to stay in the Arabian Gulf League next season, and a strike in the 65th minute from Argentine forward Sebastian Sacha did exactly that.

After enduring a frustrating first half, Emirates broke the deadlock when Sacha scored after being first to the rebound after Nasr goalkeeper Ahmed Shambih had parried a shot.

But they had their own keeper Ahmed Alshaji to thank for the numerous saves he made throughout the game, especially early in the second half.

“Tonight I felt like we were winning the league for Ras Al Khaimah,” Emirates manager Ivan Hasek said.

“My players deserved all praise as they fought hard for this result. Emirates Club has limited resources, but they deserve to remain in the AGL because of their commitment and work to be in the top flight.”

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■ Read more: Champions Al Jazira go out on a winning note

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Forward Mourad Batna was playing his last game for Emirates before he moves to Al Wahda ahead of the 2017/18 season.

“This win meant everything for us and I’m also glad that I could play a part for my team,” the Moroccan said.

“It was a pressure game for us because we had to win to avoid relegation. It was not only winning this game but we had to depend on two other results, and it all panned out in favour of us on the final day of the league.”

Indeed Emirates, who finished on 20 points for the season, also benefited from Kalba's 2-1 loss to Al Ain.

For Kalba, a draw would have been enough to stay up – having a superior goal difference over Dibba.

As it turns out, Kalba (19) lost and were relegated along with basement side Baniyas (15), who were beaten 2-1 by Al Ahli, while Dibba stayed up after drawing 2-2 at home against Sharjah to finish on 20 points.

Ahli's win was not good enough to finish second in the league, behind Al Jazira, as Al Wasl beat Hatta 1-0.

The Dubai side, though, managed to finish one point ahead of fourth-placed Al Ain. Al Wahda, Jazira's Abu Dhabi rivals, placed fifth after a 1-1 draw against Al Shabab.

apassela@thenational.ae

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