Shabab Al Ahli Dubai coach looking at positives after draw

Mahdi Ali was looking towards future challenges after Shabab Al Ahli Dubai dropped vital points following a goalless draw against Al Nasr in their Round 20 match of the Arabian Gulf League (AGL) late on Friday.

With Al Ain looking certain for a record 13th league crown following their 4-0 drubbing of Dibba earlier on Friday, the result between Al Nasr and Shabab Al Ahli Dubai was not bound to affect the top two teams — leaders Al Ain (47 points) and challengers Al Wahda (40).

The draw saw Al Nasr continue in third with 36 points, while Shabab Al Ahli Dubai remained in fifth position with 28. Both have two matches each, with Al Nasr scheduled to play Al Ain and Emirates Club, while the club from Ghusais needs to contend with Al Dhafra and Al Wasl on dates that are yet to be finalised by the Pro League Committee (PLC).

“We were looking for three points, but that said, this was a match that was also meant to give my players a run before our crucial President’s Cup quarter-finals against Sharjah next Thursday,” Shabab Al Ahli Dubai coach Ali reflected.