Al Dhafra, Al Wasl fire first salvos

Cannavaro failed to inspire the Dubai club who were caught napping by the hosts with the former Italian World Cup winning captain found wanting at the back and also being booked for a handball early in the game.

Dhafra’s Nigerian striker Abass Lawal who was denied a spot kick by a diving Obaid Al Taweela earlier, put them ahead in the 38 ^th minute after latching on to a long ball from Mohammed Berrabah to slide it pass the goalkeeper displaying superb control.

Skipper Mohammed Al Saedi capped a dominant performance with a thundering shot into the top left corner in the final minutes of the game to give former Aston Villa and Leeds manager David O’Leary a bitter lesson in his first match in charge.

Al Ahli rarely threatened with UAE star Ahmed Khalil and Bance from Burkina Faso looking out of sorts with former Al Wahda midfielder Pinga coming closest when his free kick was palmed round the post by Mohammed Al Tamimi.

Hosts Al Wasl struck twice within the space of seven minutes in the second half to convert their dominance into points after Al Wahda goalkeeper Adel Al Hosani had to deny them glory.

Al Hosani stood like a Rock of Gibraltar for the Abu Dhabi bringing off three spectacular saves against a rampant Al Wasl who dictate the pace of the match.

The visitors from Abu Dhabi appeared to lack sting in attack without Ismail Mattar and Mohammed Al Shehi who saw red in their Super Cup defeat to demoted Emirates Club last week. Brazilian striker Baiano looked like a lone ranger on the pitch much to the disappointment of their travelling fans.

Brazilian forward Alexandre Oliveira scored Al Wasl’s opening goal in the 59 ^th minute stabbing home a Mohammed Jamal strike which bounced back into play after hitting the underside of the bar. Spaniard Francisco Yeste made his presence felt with a left footed thunderbolt from the edge of the box in the 66 ^th to virtually seal victory

Al Wasl put the visitors on the defensive from the kick-off and was only denied in the opening minutes when Al Hosani’s reflex action thwarted Essa Ali’s free kick which deflect off the wall.

Al Wahda got their first scent of goal when Modibo Diara flicked back a cross from close range which grazed the post in the 18 ^th minute.

With the hosts stepping up the tempo and commanding the midfield, Al Hosani was forced into action by Oliveira whose angular shot was tipped over the bar in the 28 ^th minute.

After several near misses, Oliveira finally broke the ice and Yeste added the icing to their victory with his brilliant solo effort to stun Al Wahda.