Ajman boost Arabian Gulf Cup chances with win in ‘preparation’ at Al Jazira

We used this game to prepare for our first Arabian Gulf League game against Sharjah when the league resumes after a one-month break, says Ajman coach.

Boris Kabi, centre, of Ajman. Ravindranath K / The National

ABU DHABI // Fetthi Jebel, the Ajman coach, achieved success in two fronts after victory over Al Jazira in the Arabian Gulf Cup.

“We used this game to prepare for our first Arabian Gulf League game against Sharjah when the league resumes after a one-month break and also a victory means we kept our hopes alive in the Cup competition,” the Tunisian said.

Ajman won 2-0 over Jazira with two second-half goals from Waleed Hassan, from a spot kick, and Boris Kabi, with a stunning 30-yard shot, last night at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium. The first win in three games for the Northern Emirate club raised their hopes of a semi-final berth in the Cup competition while Jazira’s chances almost ended as they are on three points from four games.

“We are preparing for our first league game after the break and the players did a great job to win the game,” Jebel said. “There were several players returning from injury and it was a good outing for them. Of course this win also keeps our hopes alive in the Cup competition. So this win gave us double joy.”

Hassan scored from the spot after Kabi was felled by Hassan Ameen, the Jazira defender.

The lead was then doubled by Ivorian forward Kabi’s long-range shot that caught the Jazira defence napping.

“If you lose, you are not happy,” said Eric Gerets, the Jazira coach. “The first half wasn’t good but we showed another face in the second half to create a few chances.

“Ajman defended well. We also made it easier for them by missing from the chances we created. We tried out the reserves and some youngsters in the Cup competition and that’s a positive we can take forward.”

REPORT CARD

Star performer - Boris Kabi (Ajman)

Took the game away from Jazira with a well-struck shot from 30 yards and also won a spot kick.

Underperformer – Manuel Lanzini (Al Jazira)

Diminutive Argentine forward failed to approach high expectations.

Key moment – The second goal, four minutes after Ajman had broken the deadlock from a Waleed Hassan spot kick, put Ajman on top.

Al Jazira rating

4/10 An ordinary effort from a top side, despite experimenting with young players and reserves.

Ajman rating

7/10 The Cup competition provides a realistic chance of winning for clubs such as Ajman, and they clearly carried those hopes.

Our verdict

Ajman have raised their hopes of reaching a semi-final. They now have another nine points to play for.

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