Ali Mabkhout in right spot as leaders Al Jazira beat Baniyas in Arabian Gulf League

Story of the match Two converted penalties from Ali Mabkhout and a late strike from Mbrak Boussoufa set up Al Jazira's 3-1 victory over Baniyas and consolidate their position at the top of the Arabian Gulf League.

The Emirati international stepped forward to convert the spot kicks with ease for a two-goal lead at the break before Boussoufa’s free kick two minutes from time sealed the win for Jazira on Friday night at Baniyas Stadium.

Jean-Philippe Mendy closed the gap soon after the interval and created a few anxious moments in the visitors’ camp. Boussoufa restored the two-goal advantage and Baniyas remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

Baniyas had a good chance to break the deadlock early on.

Suhail Al Noobi sent a low cross to Ezekiel Henty but the Nigerian fluffed his lines in front of goal and hit a weak shot straight at keeper Ali Khaseif.

Ahmed Juma was then penalised for felling Khalfan Mubarak inside the penalty area after 32 minutes, and Mabkhout stepped forward to put the visitors in front.

Twelve minutes later, Mubarak was brought down again, this time by Mubarak Al Mansoori, and Mabkhout dispatched the spot kick with ease.

Mendy provided a glimmer of hope for the home side when he knocked in a corner that deflected off Al Noobi’s head to reduce the lead. They nearly equalised as a bullet from Henty hit the outside the near post but Jazira survived to return with full points.

Man of the match – Ali Mabkhout, Jazira The Emirati is enjoying an excellent season. He scored twice to join Al Wasl's Brazilian Fabio de Lima at the top of the league's scoring chart on 20 each.

What the managers said:

Henk ten Cate, Jazira “It was a difficult game for us as Baniyas are a team fighting to take their chances to stay up and for us the pressure we have is to cope every week [to stay top of the league].

“I think we had a good first half and created five to six chances and Baniyas, too, had a couple of opportunities. The only thing I’m not happy was we scored the two goals from penalties.

“In the second half, I thought we were too scared. After they scored we were shaky for about 20 minutes. We were running backwards than forward. Still I’m happy with the result.”

Abdulwahab Abdulqadir, Baniyas “If we waste chances we have to face the consequences, particularly against teams like Jazira. I have told the players not to play with relegation in mind but to play to their potential and results will come.

“We have three new foreign players who joined mid season and they are yet to strike a good combination with the rest of the players. They also have to get into top physical shape.”

The National's verdict After stretching their lead to eight points with eight games left, the countdown has begun for Jazira. They can still afford to drop points as the close in on a second AGL title.

apassela@thenational.ae

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