Al Wasl battle past Kalba to secure third spot

Al Wasl secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over Kalba in the Adnoc Pro League to finish their campaign on a positive note and strengthen their hold on third place.

An early own goal from Andreas Maxso handed Al Wasl the lead before Leandro Spadacio restored parity for Kalba with the 500th goal of the Adnoc Pro League season.

Substitute Miguel Borja then struck late in the second half to seal victory for the hosts after an entertaining encounter filled with attacking football.

Al Wasl started the match on the front foot and looked dangerous from the opening whistle with their movement and quick passing causing problems for the visitors’ defence.

Their pressure paid off after ten minutes when a dangerous ball into the area forced Maxso into an unfortunate mistake, with the defender inadvertently turning the ball into his own net to give Al Wasl an early advantage.

The hosts continued to dominate possession and pushed for a second goal, but Kalba gradually settled into the game and began to threaten on the counter attack through the pace and creativity of Carlos Alberto.

Kalba found their equaliser after 20 minutes following a brilliant solo effort from the Brazilian winger down the left flank.

Alberto drove past his marker before delivering a low cross into the box where Leandro Spadacio arrived to guide his effort into the back of the net.

The goal carried extra significance as it marked the 500th goal scored in the Adnoc Pro League this season.

Both sides continued to create opportunities in an open first half, with Al Wasl looking particularly dangerous in wide areas while Kalba remained threatening whenever spaces opened up in transition.

After the break, Al Wasl increased the tempo once again and controlled large spells of possession as they searched for a winning goal.

Kalba defended with discipline and attempted to frustrate the hosts, while also looking to exploit counter attacking situations.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 79th minute through substitute Miguel Borja.

Brahian Palacios delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area and the Colombian forward timed his run perfectly before turning the ball home to restore Al Wasl’s lead.

Al Wasl managed the closing stages well and prevented Kalba from creating clear chances late on as they secured all three points in front of their supporters.

The result means Al Wasl remain third in the table with 48 points, while Kalba sit 11th with 24 points.

Earlier, Sharjah delivered an entertaining 3-1 victory over Khorfakkan, combining clinical finishing with a commanding attacking display to claim all three points.

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

The home side started the match brightly, posing a constant threat whenever they pushed forward with pace and precision.