Magnificent Mello scores brace to lead Al Jazira’s win over Sharjah

Al Jazira secured a 2-0 win over hosts Sharjah in the standout clash of Matchweek 2 of the Pro League at Sharjah Stadium.

Vinicius Mello was the difference between the two sides, scoring both goals in the 47th and 63rd minutes to hand Al Jazira all three points.

Al Jazira went into the break with a 1-0 lead after Mello opened the scoring in the second minute of first-half stoppage time, finishing a precise cross from Felicio Mendes.

Both teams created chances in the opening half. Mello came close to a spectacular goal in the 17th minute with an overhead kick that went over the crossbar, while Marcus Vinicius headed over Adel Alhosani’s goal in the 29th minute.

Sharjah responded through Laba Kodjo in the 38th minute, but his effort was comfortably saved by Al Jazira goalkeeper Ersin Eestanoglu.

Al Jazira maintained their momentum after the break and doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute. Mello combined brilliantly with Mendes before finding the net to complete his brace and put the visitors firmly in control.

Sharjah pushed forward in search of a response, with Cheickna Doumbia heading wide in the 75th minute.

The hosts came even closer five minutes later when Laba Kodjo threatened to reduce the deficit, but Willian Rocha produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny him and preserve Al Jazira’s two-goal advantage.

Al Jazira remained composed in the closing stages and held on to secure an important 2-0 victory.

Meanwhile, Al Nasr and Ajman have been drawn into separate groups for the 2026-27 Gulf Champions League, with both clubs set to represent the Pro League in the third edition of the regional competition.

Ajman were drawn in Group C alongside Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq, Iraq’s Erbil and Kuwait’s Kazma.

Al Nasr, meanwhile, will compete in Group B alongside Qatar SC, Iraq’s Al Zawraa and Bahrain’s Al Riffa.

Group A features Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, Qatar’s Al Duhail, Oman’s Al Shabab and Yemen’s Shaab Hadramout.

The 2026-27 edition will feature 12 clubs, an increase from eight in the previous format. The group stage will be played on a home-and-away basis, with matches running from Oct.13, 2026, to Feb.17, 2027.

The top two teams from each of the three groups will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams.

The competition is scheduled to conclude with the final in late April 2027.

Earlier, United wrote a new chapter in their history after securing their first-ever ADNOC Pro League victory with a thrilling 3-2 win over hosts Bani Yas on Sunday in Matchweek 2.

The victory gave United their first three points in the competition during their debut season, while Bani Yas remain without a point after suffering their second successive defeat.

Willy Semedo gave United an early lead from the penalty spot in the third minute, before M. Name doubled the advantage in the 57th minute.