Ali expects Wahda to get better

The defender believes the victory, which moves them back to within two points of leaders Jazira near the halfway point, should have been more comfortable.

Haidar Alo Ali may not have been too impressed with the narrow margin of Al Wahda's 1-0 win over Al Nasr on Sunday night, but the defender does not care as long as his team can keep getting three points and stay on Al Jazira's tail. Fernando Baiano's 10th goal of the season had given Wahda a 32nd-minute lead in the game played in Ajman, but following that they toiled in front of goal.

Nasr had been ordered to play two home matches behind closed doors at neutral venues after fans threw bottles and sandals at the match officials in a game against Al Ahli. Ali believes the victory, which moves them back to within two points of the leaders Jazira as the season reaches the halfway point, should have been more comfortable. "Yes, we could have won by a better margin," he said. "We created plenty of opportunities and were the better team. But at this stage of this season, all that matters is three points. It doesn't matter how many goals we score as long we can keep winning and stay close to Jazira."

The UAE international believes that Wahda are improving by the game and will only get better as the championship battle continues. "We are blending better than at the start of season and there is a better understanding between the key players now, he said." Ali is confident that Wahda's strikers will give his team the edge, adding: "Ismail Matar is rediscovering his form after returning from injury and that is really crucial from the team's perspective. He is a key player and played a big part in Baiano's goal with a first-touch.

"Baiano, of course, is class. He is really sharp inside the box and rarely misses any opportunity. So, overall, I think we have a good opportunity of upstaging Jazira at some point." @Email:[e-mail]