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Abu Dhabi: Two goals in the space of two minutes early in the first half by Brazilian Cesar Cleberson was enough to help Al Ahli win the President's Cup from defending champions Al Wasl here on Monday.
The match was watched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai.
The early goals and some patches of attractive play was overshadowed by some mediocre display by the two teams and at times looked like getting out of hand as tempers rose as the game progressed.
However, the Ivan Hasek-coached Al Ahli team managed to hold on and win their first trophy in two years.
Dreaded spot
Fifteen minutes into the game, Al Wasl's dream of retaining the President's Cup looked all but over. In the 13th minute, a powerful run by Ali Abbas was baulked by Yasir Salem inside the box and referee Khalid Al Dhoky pointed to the dreaded spot.
Al Wasl goalkeeper Majid Nasser dived desperately, but Cesar's shot found the net and one part of the Zayed Sport City stadium erupted with joy while the other was shell-shocked.
Last season's double winners Al Wasl were in for another shock and this times it was the sheer class of Cesar which got the better of Nasser.
Snatching the ball off a defender, Cesar had one look at the goal and with Nasser way out of his charge, had the presence of mind to let fly from about 40 yards, and the Al Wasl keeper was beaten again.
Though Al Wasl faced a gigantic task, they managed to regroup and came up with three purposeful attempts, but were unlucky when Oliviera failed to score off the third.
First an Eisa Ali free-kick narrowly missed the mark. Then, Andre Dias failed to head home a Khalid Darwish cross.
Al Wasl coach Ze Mario brought in Rogerio Silva and his free-kick was well saved by Obaid Al Taweela. But the induction of Mohammad Salem Al Ennazy ignited Al Wasl. They pressed hard and almost scored, but for a goalline save by Abdullah Ahmad as Ennazy tapped home.
Khalil was presented with four clear chances, but twice he shot over while Majid Nasser saved twice.
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