Sharjah, Al Ain set for unpredictable clash as ADIB Cup quarter-finals loom

Sharjah and Al Ain are set for a highly anticipated clash in the ADIB Cup’s quarter-finals on Saturday at Sharjah Stadium, bringing together two teams with rich histories in the competition and a shared ambition to advance deep into this year’s edition.

The two sides have met five times previously in the tournament. Al Ain have won two matches, two ended in draws, while Sharjah claimed one victory — their most significant — when they defeated Al Ain in the 2023 final to lift the title.

Their encounters have consistently delivered excitement and goals, producing a total of 17 goals in five matches — an average of 3.4 goals per game. Al Ain have scored 10 goals, while Sharjah have netted 7, reflecting the attacking strength and balance between both teams.

In the quarter-final stage of the competition, Al Ain have maintained a fairly balanced record with 4 wins, 3 draws, and 5 defeats from 12 matches. Sharjah, on the other hand, have appeared nine times at this stage, earning two wins, two draws, and suffering five losses.

Al Wahda meet Khorfakkan: Attention turns to an eagerly anticipated clash between Al Wahda and Khorfakkan on Saturday at the Al Nahyan Stadium.

This encounter carries a special significance as the two teams meet once again in the same competition, having previously faced each other three seasons ago.

This marks the third meeting between the two sides in the history of the tournament.

Their previous encounter took place in the preliminary round of the 2021-2022 season, where Al Wahda triumphed 1-0 at home. However, Khorfakkan responded with a thrilling 3-2 victory on their own turf. Despite the loss, it was Al Wahda who progressed to the next round that season.

Al Wahda heads into the match with an impressive home record in the competition, remaining unbeaten in their last seven matches at home (winning five and drawing two).

Fans of the club have become accustomed to seeing goals at Al Nahyan Stadium, with no less than 28 consecutive home matches in the competition featuring goals. Their last goalless draw was back in October 2015, against Al Ain.

On the other hand, Khorfakkan are determined to break their quarter-final hoodoo, having failed to secure a win in four previous quarter-final encounters (one draw and three losses). Khorfakkan’s away games are always packed with excitement, as their last 19 matches in the tournament away from home have all seen goals. Their last scoreless draw came in November 2020, against Al Ain.

Al Wahda also boasts a solid record in the quarter-finals of the competition, having played 12 matches, winning 6, drawing 3, and losing 3, making them the favourites to put in a strong performance and continue their journey toward the later stages of the tournament.

Shabab Al Ahli take on Al Nasr: The encounter between Shabab Al Ahli and Al Nasr will be rekindled at the Rashid Stadium.

This promises to be a highly competitive fixture between two teams known for their thrilling and goal-filled encounters in the history of the tournament.

The two sides have faced each other 13 times in the competition, with both teams winning 5 matches each, while 3 games ended in a draw, highlighting the closely matched nature of their rivalry over the years.

Their meetings have consistently been high-scoring affairs, with a total of 40 goals scored across these encounters, averaging 3 goals per match.

Notably, one of their famous encounters ended in a dramatic 5-5 draw, often regarded as one of the most exciting games in the tournament’s history.

Shabab Al Ahli has scored 21 goals against Al Nasr, while Al Nasr has netted 19 goals against Shabab Al Ahli, further underlining the attacking prowess and competitive balance between the two teams.

Shabab Al Ahli also boasts a solid record in the quarter-finals of the competition, having played 14 matches, winning 9, drawing 3, and losing only 2.

In comparison, Al Nasr has played the same number of matches in the quarter-finals, securing 5 wins, 5 draws, and 4 losses. This makes both teams well-matched as they head into another exciting chapter of their rivalry.

Al Jazira face Al Wasl: Al Jazira will face Al Wasl in a thrilling encounter at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium on Sunday.

This clash promises to be a high-octane, attacking affair between two teams with a rich history of exciting matchups in the competition.

The two sides have met 14 times previously in the tournament, with Al Jazira coming out on top in 7 of those encounters, while Al Wasl has won 4.

Three matches ended in draws, leaving the balance slightly tipped in favour of the Pride of Abu Dhabi.