Sharjah see off Khorfakkan, Al Nasr hold Ajman

Sharjah secured an entertaining 3-1 victory over Khorfakkan in the Adnoc Pro League as the hosts combined clinical finishing with a strong attacking display to claim all three points.

Goals from Luan Pereira, Igor Coronado and Harib Abdalla Suhail sealed the win for Sharjah, while Kayque Soares Campos briefly brought Khorfakkan back into the contest early in the second half.

Sharjah started brightly and looked dangerous whenever they pushed forward with pace and intent.

Their early pressure paid off after 16 minutes when Luan Pereira produced a moment of quality to break the deadlock.

The Brazilian forward unleashed a powerful strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and controlled large periods of the first half, while Khorfakkan struggled to create clear opportunities in the final third.

Sharjah doubled their advantage deep into first half stoppage time after winning a penalty inside the area. Coronado stepped up confidently and calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot to hand the hosts a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the break.

Khorfakkan responded immediately after the restart and found a route back into the match in the 47th minute. Kayque Soares Campos reacted quickest inside the area and guided a first time volley from close range into the net to reduce the deficit and spark hopes of a comeback.

The visitors pushed forward in search of an equaliser during an open second half, but Sharjah remained dangerous on the counter attack and continued to threaten with their movement in transition.

As Khorfakkan committed more players forward late on, spaces began to open up for the hosts. Sharjah eventually sealed the victory in dramatic fashion in the 92nd minute when Harib Abdalla Suhail raced through on goal before calmly slotting the ball beyond the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.

The result sees Sharjah move to eighth place with 29 points, while Khorfakkan remain 10th on 27 points as the season heads towards its closing stages.

In another match, Ajman were denied victory in dramatic fashion as Al Nasr fought back from two goals down to secure a thrilling 2-2 draw.

Walid Azaro starred for the hosts with a first half brace, but second half goals from Cheickna Doumbia and Abdoulaye Toure completed Al Nasr’s comeback in an entertaining encounter packed with intensity and late drama.

Ajman made the perfect start and needed just two minutes to break the deadlock. A quick attacking move caught Al Nasr off guard before Azaro reacted sharply inside the box to convert from close range and hand the hosts an early advantage.

The home side continued to threaten throughout an open first half as Al Nasr struggled to deal with Ajman’s pace in transition. Victor Henrique caused constant problems down the flank with his direct running and delivery, while Azaro remained a dangerous presence in front of goal.

Al Nasr gradually settled into the contest and enjoyed spells of possession, but Ajman’s defensive organization limited the visitors to few clear openings before the break.

Ajman doubled their lead three minutes before half time through another decisive contribution from Azaro. Victor Henrique delivered an inviting cross into the area and the Moroccan striker met it first time with a composed volley that flew beyond the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

The visitors responded positively after the interval and found a route back into the match in the 52nd minute. A mistake from Ajman’s goalkeeper created an opportunity inside the area and Doumbia reacted quickest to poke the ball into the net and reduce the deficit.