A first-half screamer from Mauritanian Dominique da Silva gave Ahli the edge over a 10-man Degla side, while another unimpressive display was produced by Manuel Jose’s men.

The defending champions have yet to win a single game with more than one goal so far this term, including five victories under Jose’s management.

“We do not have to win by more than one goal to win the league. One goal and three points will do,” Ahli’s second man Pedro said.

“We wasted more than one chance to increase the deficit, but I have to admit that the performance wasn’t ideal.”

Meanwhile, Ahli allayed fears of the calf injury picked up by match-winner Dominique late in the game as the striker is set to undergo a scan this week.