Abu Dhabi: 2003 AFC Champions League winners Al Ain missed out on direct qualification to the 2020 edition after falling 1-0 to Al Wahda as the 2018/19 UAE Pro-League came to a close on Sunday.
Sebastian Tagliabue was the star of the night at the Al Nahyan Stadium when he headed home in the 87th minute to ensure Al Wahda leapfrogged Al Ain to finish third in the standings on goal difference with 46 points. The Argentinian also clinched the topscorer award with 27 goals to his name, having played 25 matches.
Al Wahda will join league champions Sharjah FC and Al Ahli FC in next year’s AFC Champions League group stage, while Al Ain will start their campaign in the play-off round.
Having sealed 2020 group stage qualification, Al Wahda will now focus on the 2019 AFC Champions League knockout stage, with the Emirati side set to face either Zobahan FC of the Islamic Republic of Iran or Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in the Round of 16.
مقتطÙات من تتويج الملك بدرع دورينا #الملك_بطل_الدوري pic.twitter.com/eLxKgiWZ48
— Sharjah نادي الشارقة (@SharjahFC) May 25, 2019
Photo: AFC files
Source: the-afc.com