DUBAI // Toninho Cerezo, the Al Shabab coach, has been praying for goals all through the season. His wishes were finally answered last night as the Slashers struck three against Al Dhafra. Abdullah Shah put the hosts ahead in the 29th minute and Mohammed Nasser added a second a minute before half-time. Carlos Renato then put the icing on the cake with a stunning long-ranger in the 68th minute. Mehdi Rajabzadeh got a consolation for Dhafra in added time.
It was a comfortable win for the hosts and should give them a much-needed boost after their recent struggles. The defeat did not sit well with the Dhafra captain Khairy Khalfan, who was shown a red card for dissent after arguing over the booking of a teammate. In yesterday's other early game, Al Ahli beat Ajman 4-0. Al Shaab play Al Khaleej tonight, as do Al Wahda and Sharjah.
arizvi@thenational.ae
