Mosimane’s Al Wahda send message of intent after derby victory

Pitso Mosimane’s Al Wahda sent a strong message to their title rivals with a 2-1 victory over Al Jazira in the Abu Dhabi derby on Friday. 

Al Wahda had suffered a 2-1 defeat to Al Bataeh in their opening league match of the season. But they used the much-contested derby to bounce back and send a message of intent to their rivals. 

Al Wahda took the lead in the 17th minute through Alaeddine Zouhir, but Al Jazira, formerly home to Thulani Serero, equalised in the 50th minute through Ali Ahmed Mabkhout.

Al Wahda got the winning goal in the 66th minute through an own goal by Brazilian midfielder Fernando.

The victory was a significant boost for Al Wahda, who are looking to challenge for the league title they last won in the 2009/10 season.

PITSO MOSIMANE’S AL WAHDA A ‘STRONG COMPETITOR’

In a post on the club’s X English account, Al Wahda gave the impression that the derby win was a sign of their intent to compete for the title.

“Al Wahda wins Abu Dhabi Derby and affirms its position as a ‘Strong Competitor,” read the post.

Mosimane’s side have dominated the Abu Dhabi derby, winning 12 of the last 19 clashes between the two sides. Al Jazira has won five of those, while two ended in draws.

Al Wahda will be looking to build on their derby win when they face Hatta in their next league match on September 22.

The UAE Pro League will take a breather as the International FIFA break kicks in from September 4 until the 16th.

The three-week break gives Mosimane time to fine-tune his charges as they prepare for the rest of the season.

Going into the league campaign last week, the club had lost 1-0 to Morocco’s Raja Casablanca in the Arab Club Championship Cup. A goalless draw with Al Shabab followed that result.

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