Jaloliddin Masharipov completes dramatic AGL comeback win for Shabab Al Ahli

Fujairah hauled back after taking 2-0 first-half lead

Shabab Al Ahli’s Brazilian forward (green) is challenged by challenged by Fujairah's Ibrahim Al Mansouri in the Arabian Gulf League matchweek 23 at the Rashid stadium on Friday, April 2, 2021. CourtesShow more

Shabab Al Ahli kept their hopes of a top four finish alive in the Arabian Gulf League with a dramatic comeback win against Fujairah in matchweek 23.

Douglas Coutinho put Fujairah ahead and he turned provider for Muftau Owolabi to double the lead on the half hour.

Igor Jesus narrowed the gap shortly before half time and Mohammed Juma struck the equaliser seven minutes into the second half for the home side.

Fujairah goalkeeper Abdulla Al Tamimi then saved Carlos Eduardo's penalty before Shabab Al Ahli completed their comeback in the 90th minute courtesy of a Jaloliddin Masharipov header.

“The team was returning from a two-week international break and also had a penalty missed but the players showed great character,” Shabab Al Ahli manager Mahdi Ali said after his side stretched their unbeaten run to 13 in the league.

Al Nasr bounced back from their shock defeat to Fujairah two weeks ago to outclass Al Ain 3-1 and maintain their hopes of a top four finish.

Diaa Sabia scored with a curling free kick to put the visitors in front at the Hazza bin Zayed stadium.

Bandar Al Ahbabi dribbled past the Nasr defence before tucking home the equaliser. Gabriel Valentini regained the lead for Nasr 10 minutes from time and Sebastian Tagliabue sealed the game from a header two minutes from time.

Henk ten Cate’s first game in charge of Al Wahda ended in a 1-0 defeat to Kalba at the Al Nahyan stadium while Al Dhafra drew 2-2 with bottom team Hatta.