Diaky seals Al Jazira win

A late strike from Ibrahim Diaky leads to a 1-0 win over Al Shaab and strengthens Al Jazira's hold in the league.

Al Jazira celebrates after scoring the only goal against Al Shaab.

ABU DHABI // Al Jazira strengthened their hold in the Etisalat Pro League after a late strike from Ibrahim Diaky gave them a 1-0 win over Al Shaab at the Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium last night. Diaky, the hard-working midfielder, sent a rocket from the edge after efforts inside the area from the Brazilian Fernando Baiano and the Captain Saleh Obaid were smothered by the Shaab defence.

Jazira could have won the game hands down but were made to sweat until six minutes from time. The result took their tally to 10 points and restored their pride after they suffered the first league defeat last time out to Al Ahli. The coach Abel Braga would have sorely missed his main Brazilian striker Rafael Sobis after seeing his men squandering chances after chances in the first half. Baiano, Obaid, Subait Khater and Nasser Masoud were all off the mark.

Masoud had a golden opportunity to put his team ahead but could only send a meek shot after Diaky had done all the hard work to put him six yards in front of the posts. Shaab had one chance from a counter attack in that half and a second after the break, both were sent wide from the edge by Abdulla Eisa. And a final effort from the substitute Mohammed Kallon from six yards was well held by Ali Kashief.

The Shaab goalkeeper Mohammed Ali Ghuloom was kept busy but was forced the pitch on the hour because of an injury. His replacement Jamal Abdulla made a couple of saves but had no answer to Diaky's late strike. [e-mail]