Brazilian midfielder Cesar Clederson scored twice as UAE League pacesetters Al Ahli maintained their lead over Al Jazira after easing to a 3-1 win over Al Shaab.

Clederson broke the deadlock midway through the first half before adding a second 16 minutes before the break. Egyptian midfielder Hosny Abd Rabo added a third eight minutes later to seal the win before Godwin Attram grabbed a 88th minute consolation for Al Shaab.

Al Jazira remained three points adrift after beating Al Dhafra 3-1. Ali Mabkhout opened the scoring for Al Jazira after 31 minutes before Brazilian striker Fernando Baiano doubled the lead eight minutes after the hour mark.

Mohamad Abdulqader pulled a goal back for Al Dhafra with one minute remaining before Baiano wrapped up the win in stoppage time. Defending champions Al Shabab climbed up to fourth place after Issa Obaid scored twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 win against Ajman.

Finally, Al Wasl beat Al Sharjah 3-1. Brazilian striker Alexander Oliveira broke the deadlock for Al Wasl in the last minute of the first half before Eisa Ali made it 2-0 three minutes into the second half from the penalty spot.

Al Sharjah pulled a goal back through Brazilian striker Jean Carlos four minutes before the hour mark but Al Wasl restored Al Wasl's two-goal cushion eight minutes later as Iranian striker Iman Mobali scored from the spot.