Shabab Al Ahli extend lead with victory over Sharjah as Khorfakkan triumph

Shabab Al Ahli produced a commanding performance to defeat Sharjah 4–1 on Thursday evening at Sharjah Stadium, further strengthening their position at the top of the Adnoc Pro League table in Matchweek 15.

The visitors made a fast start and took an early lead in the 6th minute when Breno Cascardo finished confidently to put Shabab Al Ahli ahead.

Sharjah were awarded a penalty shortly after, following a challenge by goalkeeper Hamad Almeqbaali on Luan Pereira, but the decision was overturned after a VAR review.

Shabab Al Ahli continued to press and nearly doubled their advantage in the 40th minute through Kouan Santos, whose powerful effort narrowly missed the target.

Sharjah managed to respond just before halftime, as Firas Ben Alarbi equalised in the 41st minute following a well-constructed attacking move.

The match turned decisively in stoppage time of the first half when Sharjah were reduced to ten men after Igor Coronado was sent off for a strong challenge on Kouan Santos.

After the break, Shabab Al Ahli capitalised on their numerical advantage, restoring their lead in the 50th minute through Yahya Al Ghassani, assisted by Guilherme Bala.

The visitors extended their dominance in the 65th minute when Saeid Ezatolahi converted from the penalty spot, before Joao Marcelo added a fourth goal in the 87th minute to seal a comprehensive victory.

The result lifts Shabab Al Ahli to 38 points at the top of the Adnoc Pro League standings, while Sharjah remain on 17 points in seventh place.

Khorfakkan pip Al Dhafra 3–2: Khorfakkan edged a five-goal thriller to claim a dramatic 3–2 victory over Al Dhafra, in a contest defined by momentum swings and an extraordinary four penalties.

The visitors made a flying start, taking the lead inside five minutes when Aylton Filipe capitalised on a misplaced pass from Leonard Offoe, calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.

Khorfakkan doubled their advantage midway through the first half as Tarik Tissoudali stepped up from the spot in the 24th minute to make it 2–0.

Al Dhafra refused to fold and pulled one back six minutes before the break, with Karim El Berkaoui confidently converting a penalty into the top corner to reduce the deficit.

The hosts completed a remarkable comeback shortly after the hour mark. Another spot kick was awarded, and Jobson Santos kept his composure to level the contest at 2–2, turning the game on its head.

But there was still time for more drama.

With six minutes remaining, Khorfakkan were handed their second penalty of the night.

Lourency Do took responsibility and delivered under pressure, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to restore the visitors’ lead and seal all three points in the 84th minute.

The result lifts Khorfakkan to seventh place on 18 points, while Al Dhafra remain 10th with 16 after a night of high drama, fine margins, and four decisive penalties.

Meanwhile, the world’s first Bundesliga Academy officially opened today in Abu Dhabi, following the strategic partnership agreement between the UAE Pro League and the Bundesliga.

The academy’s official headquarters and operational centre will be based at Sport X, a purpose-built facility positioned to play a key role in the development of UAE football.

With its specialised expertise, operational capabilities, and advanced facilities, the academy will offer promising players structured development pathways in line with the highest recognised international standards.

The academy will implement methodologies inspired by the Bundesliga, adapted to the local football ecosystem through close collaboration with the UAE Pro League, ensuring alignment with national football development frameworks.

The launch follows the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between the UAE Pro League and the Bundesliga, aimed at developing teams on both sides, exchanging expertise, and delivering mutual benefits to football in both friendly nations. Widely recognised as one of the world’s most successful football leagues across commercial, marketing, and technical domains, the Bundesliga generated revenues of €6.33 billion during the 2024–2025 season, the highest in the competition’s history.