Silva, Malheiro excel as Al Wasl cruise past Bani Yas, Al Wahda beat Ajman

Al Wasl began their Adnoc Pro League season in impressive fashion, recording a 2-0 victory over Bani Yas at Zabeel Stadium on the opening matchweek.

The home side struck in each half, with Adryelson Silva’s towering header giving them a deserved first-half lead before Pedro Malheiro sealed the points with a spectacular volley after the break.

Al Wasl broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when Silva timed his run to perfection, rising highest above the Bani Yas defence to head home Hugo Neto’s pinpoint cross.

The goal capped a spell of dominance from the hosts, who controlled possession and pressed high up the pitch.

The decisive moment came in the second half. Once again, Neto was the provider, delivering another precise cross from the left flank.

Malheiro met it first time with a thunderous volley that flew into the bottom corner, doubling Al Wasl’s advantage and leaving the visitors with no way back.

The result ensured Al Wasl claimed all three points and set the tone for their campaign, while Bani Yas were left to regroup after a difficult evening in Dubai.

In another match, Omar Khribin struck twice in the second half as Al Wahda began their eague campaign with a confident 2-0 victory over Ajman at Rashid Bin Saeed Stadium.

The opening half unfolded in a tight and largely cautious manner, with both teams adopting a measured approach and showing plenty of respect for one another’s strengths.

While there were brief spells of possession and a handful of half chances created at either end, neither side was able to carve out a decisive opportunity.

The defenses remained well-organized, ensuring that the contest stayed finely balanced heading into the interval without a breakthrough.

The contest came to life after the interval, however, with Al Wahda’s Syrian forward providing the cutting edge his side had been lacking.

Khribin opened the scoring in the 55th minute from the penalty spot, showing composure to calmly chip the ball into the net as the Ajman goalkeeper dived the wrong way.

The goal gave the visitors the momentum, and they pressed forward in search of a second.

That insurance strike arrived just ten minutes later following a sweeping team move.

Lucas Pimenta launched a precise through ball to Dusan Tadic on the left flank, with the Serbian midfielder cutting inside the penalty area before unselfishly squaring for Khribin.

The striker made no mistake, steering a measured low finish into the bottom corner to double the lead.

Ajman struggled to mount a meaningful response, with Al Wahda controlling the tempo in the closing stages to see out the win.

The result ensures a positive start to the season for Al Wahda, who will be looking to build early momentum in their push for a strong league campaign.

Meanwhile, the next round of Pro League fixtures will be staged across three days, from Friday to Sunday.

Friday’s action begins at 6pm with Bani Yas hosting Kalba, before Sharjah welcome Al Jazira to Sharjah Stadium for a highly anticipated clash under the lights at 8:30pm.

Saturday features a busy schedule, as Al Dhafra meet Al Wasl at Hamdan Bin Zayed Stadium at 6pm, while Dibba face Al Ain at the same time at Dibba Stadium.

The day concludes with a blockbuster contest between Al Wahda and defending champions Shabab Al Ahli at 8:30pm.

The weekend rounds off on Sunday with Al Bataeh taking on Khorfakkan at Khalid Bin Mohammed Stadium at 6pm, followed by Al Nasr against Ajman at Al Maktoum Stadium at 8:30pm.

As part of its ongoing commitment to making football accessible to all fans, the UAE Pro League continues to allow the entry of women, the elderly, and children with free tickets available at the ticket office in all stadiums on match days.