AGLeague Matchweek 17 Roundup
Following the conclusion of matchweek 17 of the Arabian Gulf League, Sharjah continue their steady march towards the league title.
The King collected a tough 1-0 win over Fujairah at Fujairah Stadium. After a brilliant performance from the hosts’ keeper Abdullah Al Tamimi, Ryan Mendes netted a stoppage-time winner to give his side the three points.
Sharjah further cemented their position at the top of the table with 43 points, widening the gap with second-placed Al Ain to eight points. Meanwhile, the Wolves extended their losing streak to six games as they are frozen on 13 points in 12th place.
Al Ain succumbed to a 2-0 defeat to Shabab Al Ahli, in a game that witnessed two red cards for the Boss’ Mohanad Salem and Ibrahim Diaky. Al Ain now face an uphill battle in the title race as they remain second on 35 points, three above fourth-placed Shabab Al Ahli.
Al Jazira remained in third but closed the gap on Al Ain to one point, after defeating Ajman 3-0. The Pride of Abu Dhabi are on 34 points, while the Oranges occupy the eighth position with 23 points.
Al Wahda ended Bani Yas' five-match winning streak as they defeated the Sky Blues 4-1. Both teams swapped places on the league table. Bani Yas dropped to sixth place, tied on 27 points with fifth-placed Al Wahda who returned to winning ways after losing to Al Wasl last week.
Al Dhafra earned their third win in a row, beating rock bottom Dibba 2-1 to sit seventh on 23 points. The Sailors are frozen with five points only.
Ittihad Kalba played out a 1-1 draw with Al Nasr, while Al Wasl edged Emirates Club 2-1. The Tigers and the Cheetahs are now tied on 20 points in ninth and tenth place, respectively. They are three points above 11th placed Al Nasr, while the Falcons remain 13th on 12 points.
A total of 19 goals were scored in matchweek 17 with an average of 2.7 goals per match. Ali Mabkhout topped the goalscoring charts with 17 goals, one above Brazilian forward Welliton Soares.
