Shabab Al Ahli rout Dibba to secure top spot

Shabab Al Ahli sealed top spot after a resounding 7–0 win over Dibba in the closing match of Matchweek 13 of the Adnoc Pro League match held at the Rashid Stadium.

The emphatic result ensured Shabab Al Ahli ended the first half of the season at the top of the standings with 32 points, underlining their dominance in the title race, while Dibba remain on nine points and continue to struggle near the foot of the table.

Mateus Lima set the tone for a dominant performance by opening the scoring in the 15th minute, reacting quickest to a rebound inside the penalty area to put Shabab Al Ahli ahead. Mohammed Al Mansoori doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute, and Dibba’s challenge became even steeper soon after when a red card reduced them to ten men, leaving the visitors with an uphill battle for the remainder of the match.

Kauan Santos added a third goal shortly before halftime to give Shabab Al Ahli a comfortable 3–0 advantage.

The hosts continued their control after the break, with Saeid Ezatolahi converting from the penalty spot in the 51st minute.

Dibba’s problems deepened moments later as they were reduced to nine players. Substitute Thiago Scarpino made it five in the 58th minute, while late goals from Breno Cascardo and Yuri Cesar completed a comprehensive seven-goal victory.

The result capped a flawless end to the first half of the season for Shabab Al Ahli, who head into the winter break firmly in control and full of momentum.

Meanwhile, Marcelo Filho struck deep into stoppage time to earn Al Dhafra a valuable point in a 1-1 draw against Ajman at Rashid Bin Saeed Stadium. It was a cagey contest with limited chances for both sides, and although Ajman took the lead in the second half, they were unable to see the game out as Al Dhafra snatched an equaliser in the dying moments.

The first half offered little in the way of clear-cut opportunities, with midfield battles dominating proceedings and both defences largely on top. Goalkeepers were rarely tested, and the opening 45 minutes ended goalless.

The only real threat of the first half came in the 13th minute when Victor Henrique latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball and burst into the penalty area, but his effort flew over the crossbar.

Ajman finally broke the deadlock four minutes into the second half as Bilal Yousif met the ball first time and drilled a powerful low strike beyond the goalkeeper, giving the hosts a deserved lead.

As the match headed towards its conclusion, Ajman appeared set to claim all three points. However, Marcelo Filho had other ideas, restoring parity in stoppage time to secure a dramatic draw for the visitors.

The Brazilian midfielder picked up the ball in the 92nd minute and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the box, sending it past the outstretched hands of goalkeeper Ali Al Hosani.

The result leaves Ajman ninth in the table with 14 points, while Al Dhafra move up to seventh on 16 points.